Pan-Seared Chicken with Tangy Green Apple Slaw

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts paired with a crisp and tangy green apple slaw for a refreshing balance. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reads 165°F.
  2. Step 2: While chicken cooks, combine 1 julienned medium green apple, 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage, and 1 grated medium carrot in a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the apple-cabbage mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are coated. Let slaw sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Serve the pan-seared chicken breasts topped with the tangy green apple slaw for a fresh and balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Tangy Green Apple Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Tangy Green Apple Slaw?

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 (6 oz each) chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Tangy Green Apple Slaw?

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 Tangy Green Apple Slaw 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 Tangy Green Apple Slaw?

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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