Pan-Seared Chicken with Maple-Soy Glaze and Sesame Seeds

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a sticky maple-soy glaze, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic cloves, minced 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 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 skinless chicken breasts and season lightly with salt. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown and edges start to crisp.
  2. Step 2: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear, about 165°F internal temperature. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp maple syrup and 2 tbsp soy sauce, scraping any browned bits off the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them, cooking for an additional minute to coat thoroughly.
  6. Step 6: Transfer chicken to serving plates, drizzle with extra glaze, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Maple-Soy Glaze and Sesame Seeds?

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 maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Maple-Soy Glaze and Sesame Seeds?

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 Maple-Soy Glaze and Sesame Seeds 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 Maple-Soy Glaze and Sesame Seeds?

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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