Sautéed Chicken with Orange and Thyme
Tender chicken cubes cooked in a fragrant orange-thyme sauce that is bright and aromatic, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This American-inspired chicken recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, orange 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 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, peeled and sectioned orange
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 medium orange's sections and cook for 2 minutes until the orange segments are slightly softened and the juices reduce slightly.
- Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1 minute to heat through and combine flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Orange and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Thyme?
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 chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Orange and Thyme?
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 Thyme 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.
Is Sautéed Chicken with Orange and Thyme gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Love how the American come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
