Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus-Pepper Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a tangy citrus and cracked black pepper glaze that brightens every bite. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, fresh lemon juice, 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 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp cracked black peppercorns. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, and 1 tbsp honey into the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon glaze over them. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, turning chicken to coat evenly with the glaze before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus-Pepper 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-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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus-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-Pepper 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 Citrus-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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