Pan-Seared Chicken with Cinnamon and Orange Glaze

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a warm cinnamon-orange glaze that balances sweet and savory flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground cinnamon, fresh orange juice, honey 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: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
  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 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp fresh orange zest to the skillet. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp butter until melted and glossy. Return chicken to skillet and spoon glaze over it, cooking for another minute to warm through and coat evenly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Cinnamon and Orange 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 with Cinnamon and 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 ground cinnamon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Cinnamon and 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 with Cinnamon and 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 with Cinnamon and Orange 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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