Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey-Chili Glaze
A sweet and spicy pan-seared chicken dish glazed with a vibrant honey and chili sauce that balances heat and sweetness. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 5 minutes without moving until the underside is golden brown.
- Step 3: Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp lime juice.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low, pour the honey-chili glaze over the chicken, and cook for 2-3 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken until the sauce thickens and coats the pieces.
- Step 6: Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey-Chili 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 Honey-Chili 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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey-Chili 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 Honey-Chili 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 Honey-Chili Glaze?
Asian 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.