Pan-Grilled Chicken with Sesame-Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-grilled and topped with a fragrant sesame-garlic sauce for a quick and flavorful meal. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to form the sesame-garlic sauce.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season lightly with salt.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Flip the chicken and pour half of the sesame-garlic sauce over the breasts, cooking for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from pan and spoon additional sauce over the top.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp sliced green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Grilled Chicken with Sesame-Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pan-Grilled Chicken with Sesame-Garlic Sauce?

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 Pan-Grilled Chicken with Sesame-Garlic Sauce?

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 Pan-Grilled Chicken with Sesame-Garlic Sauce 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 Pan-Grilled Chicken with Sesame-Garlic Sauce?

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.

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