Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Honey Mustard Glaze Recipe

When it comes to classic, comforting meals, few dishes can rival the simplicity and satisfaction of a perfectly cooked chicken breast. This Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Honey Mustard Glaze is a delightful recipe that elevates a standard chicken dinner into something truly special. With its crispy exterior and sweet-tangy glaze, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Honey Mustard Glaze:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Tips

• Choosing Chicken Breasts: Look for chicken breasts that are uniform in size for even cooking. If you can, opt for organic or free-range chicken for better flavor and quality.
• Brining: For extra juiciness, consider brining the chicken breasts in a mixture of water and salt for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Letting the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to retain moisture and enhance flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to pound them gently to an even thickness, about 1-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy exterior.

2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Make the Honey Mustard Glaze

3. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside for later use.

Cook the Chicken

4. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. The butter should begin to foam but not burn.

5. Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.

6. Flip and Glaze: Flip the chicken over and reduce the heat to medium. Pour half of the honey mustard glaze over the chicken. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

7. Add Remaining Glaze: In the last minute of cooking, pour the remaining glaze over the chicken, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Serve and Enjoy

8. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

9. Plate It Up: Slice the chicken and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. Serve this dish with your choice of sides for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken Breast pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Roasted seasonal vegetables
• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Quinoa or couscous for a healthy grain option

Variations and Substitutions

• For a Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or a splash of hot sauce to the honey mustard glaze.
• Herbaceous Twist: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the glaze for an aromatic flavor boost.
• Different Mustard: Experiment with whole grain mustard or honey mustard for a different flavor profile.

Food Photography Ideas

To make your dish shine on social media or your food blog, consider these photography tips:

• Use natural light to highlight the golden crust and glossy glaze.
• Capture close-up shots of the chicken sliced to showcase the juicy interior.
• Include vibrant sides in the frame to create a colorful and inviting plate.

Further Reading and Resources

If you’re interested in expanding your cooking skills or exploring related recipes, check out:

• How to Perfectly Pan-Seer Any Protein
• The Benefits of Brining Chicken
• Quick and Easy Side Dishes for Weeknight Meals

With this Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Honey Mustard Glaze recipe, you have a delicious and visually stunning dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your creations and inspire others to get cooking!