Honey-Ginger Chicken with Sesame Seeds
Tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet-savory honey-ginger glaze, pan-seared until golden, and finished with a nutty sesame seed sprinkle for a perfect weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, honey, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Add 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Pour reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add 2 tbsp water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Step 4: Return chicken to skillet, coating with sauce. Cook for 1 more minute. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Ginger Chicken with Sesame Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Honey-Ginger Chicken with Sesame Seeds?
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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Ginger Chicken with Sesame Seeds?
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 Honey-Ginger Chicken with Sesame Seeds for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Honey-Ginger Chicken with Sesame Seeds?
Asian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So delicious! I made it for my husband and he said it was the best chicken he's ever had.
- ★★★★★
My family loved it. The ginger flavor was strong but not overpowering. Easy to make.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit at my dinner party! The honey-ginger sauce was perfect and the sesame seeds added a nice crunch.
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