Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey-Garlic Soy Glaze

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a sticky honey-garlic soy glaze for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. 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 350 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and season with 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown and edges crisp.
  2. Step 2: Flip chicken breasts and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the second side until cooked through and juices run clear (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
  3. 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. Stir in 3 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to skillet and spoon the glaze over the breasts, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to infuse flavor and heat through.
  5. Step 5: Plate the chicken and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey-Garlic 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 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 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 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 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.

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