Chicken with Pear Sauce is a gentle, flavorful dish that blends tender, juicy chicken with the natural sweetness of ripe pears. The pears cook down into a silky sauce with hints of honey, garlic, and a touch of spice, coating the chicken in a warm, golden glaze. This dish feels elegant yet comforting — perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to serve something special without much fuss. The balance of savory and sweet makes it a wonderful pairing with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
1. Cooking Time: 40 minutes
2. Serving: 4 servings
3. Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
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½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
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½ cup chicken broth
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for depth)
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1 tablespoon butter (for finishing the sauce)
4. Instructions:
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Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the onion and pears: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Stir in the sliced pears and cook for another 4–5 minutes until they begin to caramelize and soften.
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Make the sauce: Add honey (or brown sugar), thyme, chicken broth, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Combine everything: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the pear sauce over the top. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend and the chicken reheat.
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Finish: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to give the sauce a smooth finish. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness as needed.
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Serve: Spoon the warm pear sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.
5. Nutrition (per serving):
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Calories: 370
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Protein: 33g
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Fat: 15g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 14g
6. Tips:
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Choose ripe but firm pears, such as Bartlett or Bosc, so they hold their shape while cooking.
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For a little spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of black pepper to the sauce.
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A splash of cream can make the sauce extra smooth and rich.
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You can also make this recipe with pork chops instead of chicken for a variation.
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Serve with wild rice, couscous, or roasted potatoes to soak up the sauce.
