Pan-Seared Chicken Pechuga with Spiced Orange Glaze

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

Tender chicken breast pan-seared and finished with a warm orange glaze infused with cinnamon and cloves for a fragrant, tangy finish. This general-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil 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. 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: 15 min Serves 2 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 4 minutes on medium heat until cooked through and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covered loosely with foil to keep warm.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 1 tsp minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp ground cloves, stirring well to combine.
  7. Step 7: Let the glaze simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon; then stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and glossy.
  8. Step 8: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the spiced orange glaze over them for 1 minute to rewarm and coat.
  9. Step 9: Serve the chicken breasts drizzled with the warm glaze alongside your choice of sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Pechuga with Spiced Orange Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pechuga with Spiced Orange 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Pechuga with Spiced Orange 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 Pechuga with Spiced Orange 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 Pechuga with Spiced Orange Glaze?

General 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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