Sautéed Chicken with Orange and Cinnamon Glaze

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

Pan-seared and finished with a sweet and warm orange-cinnamon glaze. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, orange juice, ground cinnamon 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 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless 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. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F; remove from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup fresh orange juice, add 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 2 tbsp honey, stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the orange-cinnamon glaze over them, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Orange and Cinnamon 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 Sautéed Chicken with Orange and Cinnamon 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Orange and Cinnamon 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 Orange and Cinnamon 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Chicken with Orange and Cinnamon Glaze?

American 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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