Pan-Seared Chicken with Bok Choy and Sesame Oil
Tender chicken breasts paired with crisp bok choy in a savory sesame oil glaze, ready in 20 minutes for a satisfying Whole30 dinner. This asian-inspired whole30 ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breasts, heads bok choy, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 breasts
- 2 heads bok choy
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 2: Remove chicken and set aside. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add bok choy halves cut-side down and cook for 3 minutes until edges begin to char.
- Step 3: Stir in sesame oil and coconut aminos, then return chicken to skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Bok Choy and Sesame Oil 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Bok Choy and Sesame Oil?
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 breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Bok Choy and Sesame Oil?
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 with Bok Choy and Sesame Oil 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-Seared Chicken with Bok Choy and Sesame Oil?
Asian whole30 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Asian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this pan-seared are incredible.
