Pan-Seared Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Glaze
Pan-seared to golden perfection and coated with a vibrant sweet and spicy glaze, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, olive oil, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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 temperature 165°F), then remove from the pan and keep warm.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon the glaze over them, cooking for an additional minute to meld flavors before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Sweet and Spicy 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 Sweet and Spicy 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 Sweet and Spicy 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 Sweet and Spicy 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 Sweet and Spicy 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.
