Sautéed Chicken with Tangy Citrus and Maple Glaze

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

Pan-seared and finished with a bright citrus and maple syrup glaze for a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each chicken breasts, olive oil, salt 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 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 3 tbsp maple syrup, stirring to combine. Simmer the glaze for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, return the chicken to the skillet, and spoon the glaze over the chicken for 1 minute to coat and warm through. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Tangy Citrus and Maple 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 Tangy Citrus and Maple 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 Tangy Citrus and Maple 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 Tangy Citrus and Maple 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 Tangy Citrus and Maple 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.

Related recipes