Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus and Black Pepper Glaze

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts glazed with a tangy citrus and cracked black pepper sauce for a vibrant and flavorful main dish. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, fresh 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. 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 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp cracked black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes without moving until golden brown on one side.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves around the pan; cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside, lowering the heat to medium. Pour in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp honey, stirring to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the glaze over the breasts, and cook for 1 more minute to infuse flavor before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus and Black Pepper 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 Citrus and Black Pepper 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 Citrus and Black Pepper 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 Citrus and Black Pepper 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 Citrus and Black Pepper 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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