Honey-Sesame Glazed Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy
Tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet-savory glaze, served with tender bok choy for a balanced weeknight meal. This asian-inspired one pot (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, sesame oil, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 heads bok choy
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook 4-5 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Add 1 tbsp water to thin slightly.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet, leaving fat behind. Add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil to skillet, then add remaining 2 garlic cloves and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour sauce mixture into skillet, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return chicken to skillet, coating evenly, and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Step 6: Trim bok choy stalks, cut leaves into 2-inch pieces, and add to skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Sesame Glazed Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Sesame Glazed Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy?
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-Sesame Glazed Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy?
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-Sesame Glazed Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy 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-Sesame Glazed Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy 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
- ★★★★★
So simple and delicious. My husband asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at dinner! The honey-sesame glaze was perfect with the chicken and bok choy.
- ★★★★★
Loved the flavors, and the bok choy cooked perfectly.