Spiced Pan-Seared Chicken with West Virginia Apple Glaze

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

A flavorful pan-seared chicken breast glazed with a sweet and tangy apple sauce inspired by West Virginia’s fresh produce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Lower heat to medium and add 1/2 cup apple cider, 3 tbsp apple butter, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and glossy. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon glaze over, and cook for 1 more minute to combine flavors before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Pan-Seared Chicken with West Virginia Apple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spiced Pan-Seared Chicken with West Virginia Apple 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 Spiced Pan-Seared Chicken with West Virginia Apple 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 Spiced Pan-Seared Chicken with West Virginia Apple 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 Spiced Pan-Seared Chicken with West Virginia Apple 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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