Pan-Seared Chicken with Spice Rub and Citrus Glaze

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts rubbed with a complex quaternary spice blend, finished with a bright and tangy citrus glaze. This mediterranean (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, ground coriander, ground cumin 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the quaternary spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then evenly rub the spice blend all over the chicken pieces.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Once chicken is cooked, reduce heat to medium-low and pour the citrus glaze into the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken until it thickens slightly and coats the chicken beautifully.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spice Rub and 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 Spice Rub and 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 ground coriander from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spice Rub and 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 Spice Rub and 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.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Spice Rub and Citrus Glaze gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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