Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey-Ginger Glaze
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a sticky honey-ginger glaze that balances sweetness and warmth. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then remove and keep warm.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/4 cup water, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over it for 1 minute to coat evenly before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey-Ginger 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-Ginger 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey-Ginger 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-Ginger 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-Ginger 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.
