Pan-Seared Chicken with San Jose Citrus Glaze

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts finished with a bright, tangy citrus glaze inspired by fresh produce common in Santa Clara Valley. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, salt 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: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp honey.
  4. Step 4: Stir and simmer the glaze for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Add 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme and stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over each piece to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1 minute to meld flavors, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with San Jose Citrus 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 San Jose Citrus 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 San Jose Citrus 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 San Jose Citrus 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 San Jose Citrus Glaze?

American 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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