Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus-Ginger Glaze
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a bright, tangy citrus-ginger glaze for a flavorful weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, finely grated fresh ginger, orange juice 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown.
- Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Step 4: In the same skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/3 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and stir in 1 tbsp honey. Simmer the glaze for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them. Cook for 1 more minute to warm through and coat the chicken with the sauce, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus-Ginger 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus-Ginger 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus-Ginger 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 Breast with Citrus-Ginger 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 Breast with Citrus-Ginger Glaze?
Mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazing! The chicken was juicy and the glaze had just the right balance of sweet and tangy.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is now a staple. So simple and flavorful, I'll make it again and again.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner! The citrus- ginger glaze was a hit with the whole family.