Pan-Seared Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sesame and Green Onions

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

Crispy-skinned chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey-soy glaze, finished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a perfect weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, honey, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian-inspired cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes without moving until skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for 6-8 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp grated ginger in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Pour honey-soy mixture into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, turning to coat evenly. Add 2 green onions (white parts only) and cook for 1 minute more.
  6. Step 6: Transfer chicken to a plate. Sprinkle with 2 green onions (green parts) and 1 tsp sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sesame and Green Onions take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sesame and Green Onions?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sesame and Green Onions?

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 Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sesame and Green Onions 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 Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sesame and Green Onions?

Asian-inspired 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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