Pan-Seared Chicken with Ginger-Sesame Glaze

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a fragrant ginger and sesame glaze for a simple, flavorful weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs chicken breasts, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 5 minutes without moving, until golden brown on one side.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, mix 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp sesame oil in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, pour the ginger-soy-honey glaze over the chicken in the skillet, and spoon the sauce continuously for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the chicken beautifully.
  6. Step 6: Transfer chicken to plates, drizzle with remaining glaze from pan, and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Ginger-Sesame Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Ginger-Sesame Glaze?

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 Ginger-Sesame Glaze?

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 Ginger-Sesame Glaze 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 with Ginger-Sesame Glaze?

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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