Pan-Seared Chicken with Popular Sweet Chili Glaze
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts glazed with a tangy sweet chili sauce that’s loved by many for its perfect balance of sweet and heat. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp scallions, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) 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 until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F), then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over it. Cook for 1 more minute, turning the chicken to coat it in the sauce.
- Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp sliced scallions and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Popular Sweet Chili 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 Popular Sweet 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Popular Sweet 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 Popular Sweet Chili 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 Popular Sweet 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.
