Sesame-Ginger Pan-Seared Chicken with Broccoli

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

Tender chicken thighs cooked with a savory-sweet ginger-sesame glaze and served over steamed broccoli for a balanced weeknight meal. This asian-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, mince 1 tbsp fresh ginger and mix with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Pour ginger-sesame sauce into the skillet, adding 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups broccoli florets to the skillet, tossing to coat in sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet, coating in sauce, and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Ginger Pan-Seared Chicken with Broccoli 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 Sesame-Ginger Pan-Seared Chicken with Broccoli?

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 Sesame-Ginger Pan-Seared Chicken with Broccoli?

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 Sesame-Ginger Pan-Seared Chicken with Broccoli 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.

Is Sesame-Ginger Pan-Seared Chicken with Broccoli gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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