It’s 5:30 PM. You’re staring into the fridge. Again. The family is hungry. You’re tired. Who has the energy for a complicated dinner? I get it. I live it. That’s why I’m obsessed with this Orange-Glazed Chicken Breasts recipe.
This is your weeknight superhero. It’s fast. It’s packed with flavor. And it uses simple stuff you probably already have. We’re talking juicy chicken with a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy. No fuss. Just fantastic food, fast. If you love this style of simple, glazed chicken, you should also try our Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Breasts.
Let’s get dinner on the table and win back our evening.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ultimate Guide to Orange-Glazed Chicken Breasts
This is the only guide you need for perfect chicken. Why? Because it nails the three things busy cooks want: big flavor, minimal hands-on time, and easy cleanup.
We skip the boring, dry chicken breast. Instead, we get a gorgeous, caramelized glaze. The orange juice reduces into a glossy sauce. It clings to every bite. The result is a chicken main dish that tastes like you spent hours. You didn’t. That’s the magic.
This method works for oven baked chicken breasts every single time. It’s a healthy chicken breast recipe that actually tastes amazing. Consider this your new go-to for easy boneless chicken breast recipes.
The Simple Ingredients
See? I told you it was simple. This is all about pantry power. Check your fridge and cupboard. You might already have everything.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed or good-quality from a carton)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions, orange zest, sesame seeds
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Ready? The clock starts now. Follow these steps and you cannot fail. This is the heart of our easy chicken entrees.
- Preheat and Prep. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is key for a good sear!
- Season the Chicken. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil. Rub it all over. Then, season both sides evenly with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear for Flavor. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, until you get a beautiful golden-brown crust. Flip the chicken breasts over.
- Make the Glaze. While the chicken sears, whisk the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet around the chicken. It will bubble up. That’s good!
- Bake to Perfection. Carefully transfer the whole skillet to the hot oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- Thicken the Sauce. Remove the skillet. Place the chicken on a plate. Put the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Glaze and Serve. Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon that gorgeous orange glaze all over each piece. Let it soak in for a minute. Then, serve immediately!
What to Serve With This Dish
You need fast sides to match this fast main. Here are my busy-night favorites.
Orange-Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Orange-Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Instant Pot or steamed white rice or quinoa soaks up the extra sauce perfectly. A bag of microwave-in-the-steamer-bag broccoli or green beans. A simple bagged salad with a light vinaigrette. Couscous. It cooks in 5 minutes. Roasted baby potatoes. Toss them in oil and throw them in the oven before you start the chicken.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
Make it work for you! Here are two super simple swaps to try.
No fresh oranges? Use a good-quality orange juice with no pulp. The flavor is still fantastic. Want a deeper flavor? Swap the honey for pure maple syrup. You’ll get a richer taste, almost like my Air Fryer Maple-Glazed Chicken Breasts. For another tangy, saucy option, check out our Zesty Chicken Francese with a lemony garlic sauce.
Like a little heat? Add a big pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture. It’s a game-changer.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
This chicken reheats beautifully. Let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water. Or, warm it in a covered skillet over low heat. The glaze might thicken in the fridge. Just add a tiny bit of water or orange juice when reheating to loosen it up.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: ~900mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 18g
*Note: This is an estimate. Values can vary based on specific ingredients used.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken in a pan on the stove first for best flavor. Then transfer to the air fryer basket. Pour the glaze into the pan to reduce and thicken while the chicken cooks. Finish by glazing as usual.
My sauce isn’t thickening. What do I do?
No panic! Make sure your cornstarch slurry is well-mixed. Also, let the sauce simmer for a full minute or two after adding it. It needs to come to a bubble to activate the cornstarch and thicken properly.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Bone-in or boneless thighs work great. They may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Just always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
See? I told you we could do it. In about 30 minutes, you went from “What’s for dinner?” to “Wow, this is incredible!” That’s a major win in my book.
This orange-glazed chicken proves that easy recipes can be the most delicious ones. You don’t need complicated techniques. You just need a solid plan and a few great ingredients. Now you have both. If you’re craving something rich and comforting next time, our Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts is the perfect cozy meal.
Go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!
