Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus Ginger Glaze

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

Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a tangy citrus ginger glaze that balances sweet and spicy notes. This Vietnamese recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, fresh ginger 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 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes on the second side until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate covered loosely with foil to keep warm. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp soy sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon glaze over each piece, cooking for another minute to heat through. Serve chicken drizzled with the citrus ginger glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken 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 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken 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 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 with Citrus Ginger Glaze?

Asian vietnamese 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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