Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sesame Seeds
Crispy-skinned chicken thighs bathed in a sticky-sweet honey-soy glaze, finished with toasty sesame seeds for an irresistible weeknight main. This asian-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, soy sauce, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Place thighs skin-side down in skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add 1 tbsp sesame oil to the skillet, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water. Pour into skillet and simmer for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, turning to coat evenly. Cook for 2 more minutes until glossy. Sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sesame Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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-Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs 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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs 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-Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs 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.
Is Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sesame Seeds 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
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Perfect chicken recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
