Pan-Seared Honey-Glazed Chicken with Garlic and Sesame
Juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky-sweet honey-garlic glaze, finished with toasted sesame seeds. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, soy sauce, honey 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.
Ingredients
- 4, boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp, grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken thighs between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger in a small bowl.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and seared.
- Step 4: Pour sauce mixture over chicken, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats chicken.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds over chicken and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Honey-Glazed Chicken with Garlic and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Honey-Glazed Chicken with Garlic 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 Honey-Glazed Chicken with Garlic 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 Honey-Glazed Chicken with Garlic 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 Honey-Glazed Chicken with Garlic and Sesame?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely loved the balance of sweet and savory. The garlic and sesame made it stand out from regular chicken dishes.
- ★★★★★
Best chicken recipe I've tried in months. The pan-searing method made it juicy. Honey-garlic is a classic combo that works.
- ★★★★★
So easy and delicious! I served it with rice and veggies. The glaze is sticky and sweet without being overpowering.
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