Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Citrus and Chili Glaze
Tender chicken breasts glazed with a tangy Brazilian-inspired citrus and chili sauce, perfect for a quick flavorful dinner. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 6 oz each) chicken breast, olive oil, fresh lime juice 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 (about 6 oz each) chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the glaze for 1-2 minutes, spooning sauce over the top.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Citrus and Chili 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 Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Citrus and Chili 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 Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Citrus and Chili 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 Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Citrus and Chili 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 Sautéed Chicken with Brazilian Citrus and Chili Glaze?
Brazilian 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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