Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Breast is a fast and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a glossy orange glaze, this recipe combines citrusy sweetness with savory garlic and soy sauce undertones. The tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully in the pan, giving the chicken a sticky, golden finish that pairs well with rice, quinoa, or fresh vegetables. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe with restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the glaze: In the same skillet, add orange juice, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, orange zest, and garlic. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Thicken the glaze: Add the cornstarch slurry and continue to simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
5. Glaze the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and spoon the glaze over the top. Simmer for 1–2 more minutes to heat through and coat evenly.
6. Serve: Slice chicken if desired and spoon additional glaze over top. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts 

Serves 2

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 34g
• Vitamin C: 45% DV
• Calcium: 2% DV
• Iron: 8% DV

Nutritional Benefits of Orange-Glazed Chicken

Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Breast offers a well-balanced nutritional profile that caters to both health-conscious and flavor-loving eaters. Chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance and satiety, while the orange juice contributes vitamin C, which supports immune function and acts as a powerful antioxidant. The small amount of honey used in the glaze provides natural sweetness and energy without resorting to refined sugars. Additionally, using low-sodium soy sauce and heart-healthy olive oil makes the dish suitable for a low-sodium or moderate-fat diet, promoting overall wellness without sacrificing flavor.

Quick Cooking for Busy Lifestyles

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its speed—ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a perfect solution for weeknights when time is tight but you still want a homemade, wholesome meal. Because the chicken cooks quickly in a skillet and the glaze thickens in just a few minutes, you can prepare sides like steamed rice or sautéed vegetables simultaneously. The short cooking time also means you preserve more of the nutrients in the orange juice and garlic, further increasing the health value of the dish.

Flavor Profile and Texture

The Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Breast strikes a perfect balance between savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The natural tartness of fresh orange juice is mellowed by honey, while soy sauce adds a salty umami depth. Garlic introduces a savory kick that complements the citrus beautifully. When cooked correctly, the glaze becomes thick and glossy, coating the chicken with a sticky, caramelized finish. The chicken itself remains juicy and tender thanks to the quick sear and the glaze’s moisture-locking effect. Every bite delivers a combination of flavors and textures that make the dish feel both comforting and gourmet.

Popular Variations of the Recipe

This recipe lends itself well to creative variations, making it a versatile addition to any meal rotation. You can add a spicy element by incorporating red pepper flakes or a touch of sriracha into the glaze. For a deeper citrus flavor, try mixing orange juice with a splash of pineapple or lime juice. Those seeking a richer glaze can swap honey with maple syrup or brown sugar. To make it a full one-pan meal, toss in sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas toward the end of the cooking process. These customizations allow you to tailor the dish to your personal taste preferences or seasonal produce availability.

Best Side Dishes and Pairings

Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken pairs beautifully with a wide range of side dishes, depending on your dietary goals and cravings. For a light, low-carb meal, serve it with steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or a simple garden salad with citrus vinaigrette. If you prefer a heartier plate, jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa can absorb the flavorful glaze for added satisfaction. Roasted sweet potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower are also excellent companions that complement the sweet and tangy notes of the glaze. For drinks, citrus-infused water, green tea, or a crisp white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc make refreshing accompaniments.

Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is an ideal candidate for meal prep thanks to its short cooking time and easily stored components. You can cook a double batch and refrigerate individual portions for up to four days, making it great for lunchboxes or quick dinners throughout the week. To prevent the glaze from becoming too thick or sticky when reheated, it’s best to store the chicken and glaze separately if possible. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to restore the texture and flavor without drying out the chicken. Pairing it with fresh greens or pre-cooked grains ensures a balanced, reheatable meal with minimal effort.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage ensures the longevity and safety of your leftovers. Once cooled, store the glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra orange juice to loosen the glaze if needed. Microwaving is also an option, though it may slightly affect the texture of the glaze. If you plan to freeze the dish, do so without the glaze and add a fresh batch of glaze upon reheating. This maintains the brightness and consistency of the sauce while avoiding texture changes due to freezing.

Making It Kid-Friendly

The natural sweetness and glossy appearance of this dish make it very appealing to children. It’s a great way to introduce citrus flavors and protein-rich meals to picky eaters. To make it even more kid-friendly, reduce the soy sauce slightly to keep the sodium content low and avoid overpowering flavors. Serve the chicken sliced over fluffy rice or with mild steamed vegetables like carrots and peas. You can even let children help by whisking the glaze ingredients together—getting them involved increases their likelihood of trying and enjoying the final meal.

Allergy and Dietary Modifications

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce, making it accessible for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It’s also dairy-free, nut-free, and low in saturated fat, making it suitable for many restrictive diets. For those watching sugar intake, the honey can be reduced or replaced with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try the glaze over tofu or seitan instead of chicken for a plant-based version that still delivers bold flavor.

Tips for Enhancing Presentation

Presentation can elevate the appeal of even the simplest meal. For a restaurant-quality look, slice the chicken on a diagonal and fan the pieces over a bed of rice or greens. Drizzle a bit of the glaze over the top and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for contrast in color and texture. A few thin orange slices or zest curls on the side can reinforce the citrus theme visually. Using a white or dark plate enhances the rich golden color of the glaze, making the dish look as good as it tastes.

Conclusion

Sweet Orange Glazed Chicken Breast is a flavorful, efficient, and nutritious recipe that fits effortlessly into a busy lifestyle. Its vibrant taste profile, quick preparation, and versatility make it a reliable favorite for weeknight meals, meal prep, or even casual entertaining. Whether you stick to the original or explore one of its many variations, this dish offers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. With its lean protein and bright citrus glaze, it proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring—just a few fresh ingredients and a skillet away from something truly delicious.