Sautéed Chicken with Orange and Thyme Glaze

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

Pan-seared and finished with a bright orange and fresh thyme glaze for a balanced, flavorful dish. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, fresh thyme 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 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 the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear, then remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice and stir in 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, simmering for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter to the glaze and swirl until melted and glossy.
  7. Step 7: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the glaze over them, and cook for 1 more minute to coat and warm through before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Orange and Thyme 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 Thyme 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 Orange and Thyme 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 Thyme 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 Orange and Thyme Glaze?

Mediterranean 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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