Pan-Seared Soy-Glazed Chicken with Toasted Sesame

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

Seared to golden perfection, finished with a savory soy glaze and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar 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: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves until well combined and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and sear them for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Pour the soy glaze mixture over the chicken in the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 2-3 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken until it thickens and coats the pieces.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken to a serving plate and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, nutty finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Soy-Glazed Chicken with Toasted Sesame 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 Soy-Glazed Chicken with Toasted 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 Soy-Glazed Chicken with Toasted 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 Soy-Glazed Chicken with Toasted Sesame 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 Soy-Glazed Chicken with Toasted 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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