Soy-Glazed Chicken with Sesame and Scallions
Tender chicken thighs glazed in a savory-sweet soy-sesame sauce, finished with fresh scallions for a restaurant-quality Korean dish. This korean-inspired chicken ready in about 37 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, soy sauce, rice wine (mirin) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice wine (mirin)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp, thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice wine, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 12 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp sesame seeds and 3 tbsp sliced scallions, then cook for 1 minute until scallions wilt and sauce becomes glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Soy-Glazed Chicken with Sesame and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 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 Soy-Glazed Chicken with Sesame and Scallions?
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 Soy-Glazed Chicken with Sesame and Scallions?
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 Soy-Glazed Chicken with Sesame and Scallions 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 Soy-Glazed Chicken with Sesame and Scallions?
Korean 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
- ★★★★★
Made this for my kids and they devoured it. Easy and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Perfect for weeknights.
- ★★★★★
The glaze was spot on, and the sesame added a nice crunch.