Pan-Seared Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Apricot Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a vibrant apricot glaze with a hint of mustard and garlic, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/3 cup apricot preserves, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp water. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the apricot glaze over it, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to warm through and coat the chicken with the sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve the glazed chicken with the pan sauce spooned on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Apricot Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Apricot Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Apricot Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Apricot Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Apricot Glaze?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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