Make this one-pan wonder juicy chicken with sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in under 30 minutes! Originally published May 2019. Last updated March 2023.
Cast iron chicken breast seared on the stove top then finished in the oven will become your go-to method. Let me show you how to take it over the top with layers of flavor in no time at all. Start scrolling for the delicious details.
If you enjoy this sweet & spicy chicken breast recipe, you'll also love my grilled pork tenderloin with peach pepper sauce. And check out my garlic curry salmon, too!
What You'll Need for this Recipe
This easy and flavorful chicken dish only takes about 25 minutes to make. And you probably already have all the ingredients on hand. Here's the list.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast is the base of the recipe but you can use chicken thighs just as well. You can use skin-on versions of either, too!
- Crushed Red Pepper, also called red pepper flakes, add subtle heat that you can adjust to your taste.
- Ground Ginger adds spice and a different layer of subtle heat. You can also use grated fresh ginger, if you have it available.
- Maple Syrup goes in the glaze and provides sticky sweetness to the mix. But don't worry about it sticking to the pan. I've got you covered with my tips below.
- Olive Oil has just the right smoke point for searing and roasting the chicken in. Feel free to swap in the oil of your choice, though. Avocado oil works great.
- Orange zest and juice pair with the maple syrup to create orange glaze for chicken
- Parsley is an optional finishing touch and you can use either fresh or dried
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
What does it taste like?
This citrus glazed chicken is has sweetness from the maple syrup and zesty sour notes from the fresh orange zest and juice. You'll also taste some heat from red pepper and ginger. Everything is rounded out with sea salt and black pepper with a hint of fruitiness from the olive oil. If you've tried my orange maple vinaigrette dressing, it will taste familiar.
Tips & Tools
Grab a cast iron skillet, of course! You'll use it on the stove top and in the oven. And butterflied chicken breast for dinner calls for a cutting board and sharp knife.
How to keep chicken from sticking to my cast iron skillet? First of all, make sure your skillet is clean and seasoned. Use ample oil with a high enough smoke point (at least 400 degrees). I use the same tips for my fail proof chicken breast.
How to glaze chicken? Combine the orange juice, maple syrup, and spices then pour the sauce all over the chicken and roast it. The glaze will give everything a gorgeous glossy finish.
Can I make it in advance? Yes, you can certainly cook this dish ahead of time and reheat when ready to eat. Store in the in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will keep for up to one week.
How to Serve Citrus Glazed Chicken
Serving this 30-minute chicken main dish with easy sides is the move. Add a green veggie like roasted lemony squash or smoky sautéed brussels sprouts. And I love including a starchy option like roasted carrots or spiced sweet potatoes.
You can mix and match with different veggies and grains for an easy dinner or pack up for lunch. Orange cast iron chicken is also amazing in a power bowl!
More Favorite Weeknight Chicken Recipes
Grilled Honey Jalapeño Lime Chicken
Pineapple Salsa Chicken in the Crockpot
I hope you'll enjoy my maple orange chicken soon and very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this quick-fire chicken dish for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Breast Recipe
Orange Maple Glazed Cast Iron Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 orange
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- crushed red pepper to taste
- dried parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butterfly chicken breasts, as needed, so that each piece is no more than one inch thick. Season chicken with sea salt and black pepper then set aside.
- Add olive oil to cast iron skillet over high heat and heat through (about two minutes).
- Add chicken breast to heated cast iron skillet (in batches, if necessary) and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove from off heat.
- If cooking chicken in batches, add all pieces back to pan when done searing.
- Meanwhile, zest the orange into a bowl then squeeze in the juice from the orange. Add maple syrup, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper. Whisk until combined.
- Pour maple orange glaze over top of chicken. Transfer pan to preheated oven and roast for about eight minutes or until chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbly. Fully cooked chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees farenheit on a meat thermometer.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
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