Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Citrus Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a tangy and spicy orange glaze that balances sweet and heat perfectly. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, orange 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes until glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken breasts to skillet, spooning glaze over them, and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  6. Step 6: Serve chicken topped with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and extra glaze from the pan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy Citrus Glaze?

Mexican 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes