Pan-Seared Chicken with Seven-Spice Citrus Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts glazed with a bright and aromatic seven-spice citrus sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp ground cloves on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 tbsp honey. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the citrus glaze over them and cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Plate the chicken, spoon extra glaze on top, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Seven-Spice 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 Seven-Spice Citrus 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 Seven-Spice Citrus 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.

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