Honey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs coated in a glossy sweet-savory glaze with toasted sesame seeds for a perfect balance of flavors. This asian-inspired asian (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar 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
- 4 (about 1.5 lbs) boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1 tsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl until smooth; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each piece evenly in the sauce, and cook for 2 more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce clings to the meat.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds over the chicken and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Thighs 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-Glazed Sesame Chicken Thighs?
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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Thighs?
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-Glazed Sesame Chicken Thighs 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.
Is Honey-Glazed Sesame Chicken Thighs gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best sesame chicken I've made in years—simple, flavorful, and the honey balance was spot-on.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured these! The glaze stuck perfectly and the chicken stayed tender even after reheating.
- ★★★★☆
Easy weeknight dinner—kids ate every bite. Just needed a splash more garlic next time.
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