Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Garlic and Soy Glaze
Succulent chicken breasts pan-seared and coated in a glossy honey garlic soy glaze for a perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, honey 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 stalks, sliced for garnish green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season lightly with 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, and 2 tbsp water. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them, cooking for another minute to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Transfer chicken to plates, drizzle with remaining glaze, and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Garlic and Soy Glaze 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 Honey Garlic and Soy 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Garlic and Soy 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 Honey Garlic and Soy 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 Honey Garlic and Soy 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.