Pan-Seared Chicken with 4-Spice Citrus Glaze

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

Pan-seared to golden perfection, glazed with a bright and aromatic blend of four warm spices and fresh citrus. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp ground ginger to create the 4-spice blend.
  3. Step 3: Rub the 4-spice mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes without moving, until the bottom is golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 4 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Step 7: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, loosely covered with foil.
  8. Step 8: Lower heat to medium and add 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp honey to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
  9. Step 9: Simmer the glaze for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy, coating the back of a spoon.
  10. Step 10: Return chicken to skillet and spoon glaze over each piece, cooking for 1 more minute to warm through and absorb flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with 4-Spice Citrus 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 with 4-Spice Citrus 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with 4-Spice Citrus 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 with 4-Spice Citrus Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 with 4-Spice Citrus 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.

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