Pan-Seared Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Sesame

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

Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, coated in a fragrant ginger-soy glaze with toasted sesame seeds. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless chicken breasts, soy sauce, fresh ginger 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless chicken breasts and season lightly with salt. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for 4 minutes on the other side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp sesame oil to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the ginger-soy glaze over them, and cook for an additional 1 minute to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to serving plates, drizzle remaining glaze from the pan, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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-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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken 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 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 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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