Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey Soy Glaze and Sesame

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey soy glaze, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs soy sauce, honey, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs and season lightly with salt. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken thighs skin side down (if skin is present) or smooth side down, cooking for 5-6 minutes without moving until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and cook for an additional 4 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce and 3 tbsp honey, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the glaze over them to coat evenly and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Transfer chicken to a serving plate, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey 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 Honey 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Honey 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 Honey Soy Glaze and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 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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