Sautéed Chicken with Seven-Spice Citrus Glaze

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

Tender chicken thighs pan-seared and finished with a bright seven-spice and citrus glaze for a balanced sweet and savory flavor. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, and 1/4 tsp ground star anise, evenly coating both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs and sauté for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and reduce the sauce over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the citrus glaze over it, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the chicken is fully coated and warm. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Seven-Spice Citrus 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 Seven-Spice Citrus 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 Seven-Spice Citrus 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 Seven-Spice Citrus 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 Seven-Spice Citrus Glaze?

Middle Eastern 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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