Honey Orange Glazed Chicken Skillet
This sticky, tangy, and sweet honey orange glazed chicken skillet is a quick and easy 30-minute dinner that’s bursting with citrus flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. The glossy glaze hugs every bite, making it a family favorite that feels special but comes together with simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large fresh orange (for zest and 1/2 cup juice)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider/white wine vinegar)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. If pieces are thick, pound to even thickness.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F). Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
- Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and orange zest. Stir and scrape up any brown bits. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Let bubble for 3-5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Whisk cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Pour into simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Simmer another minute until glaze is thick and glossy.
- Return chicken to skillet, turning to coat in glaze. Simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve chicken with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for best browning. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—work in batches if needed. Adjust glaze thickness by simmering longer or adding a splash of water/orange juice. Taste and tweak the glaze for sweetness or tang. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos. Leftovers keep well and reheat with a splash of water or juice. The glaze gets even tastier as it sits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 ounces cooked chicken with glaze
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 30
Keywords: honey orange chicken, skillet chicken, 30 minute dinner, citrus chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option, dairy-free, meal prep, family dinner