Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Sesame
Juicy chicken breast pan-seared and finished with a glossy ginger-soy glaze, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds for texture and nutty flavor. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar in a small bowl.
- Step 4: When chicken is nearly done, reduce heat to medium-low, pour the soy-ginger glaze over chicken, and cook for 2 minutes, spooning sauce over breasts until glossy and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from skillet, sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Sesame 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-Seared Chicken Breast with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Sesame?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Sesame?
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-Seared Chicken Breast with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Sesame for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Seared Chicken Breast with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Sesame?
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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