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Flavorful Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Breast Recipe with Toasted Sesame Seeds

honey soy glazed chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy honey soy glazed chicken breast recipe featuring a sticky sweet-savory glaze and crunchy toasted sesame seeds, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz or 340 g each)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (preferably raw or wildflower)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml), low sodium recommended
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil for cooking
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season lightly with black pepper. If breasts are thick, slice horizontally to about 1-inch thickness.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and warm for about 1 minute until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Add chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them to develop a golden color.
  5. Flip the chicken and immediately pour the glaze over the top. Use tongs or a spatula to spoon glaze onto the chicken while cooking another 5-6 minutes until glaze thickens and coats the chicken.
  6. Check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear when cut.
  7. Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Dry chicken before cooking for better sear. Cook over medium heat to avoid burning glaze. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Toast sesame seeds fresh in a dry pan for best aroma. If glaze thickens too fast, add a splash of water to loosen. Can substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce to make gluten-free. Optional red pepper flakes add heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey soy chicken, glazed chicken breast, toasted sesame seeds, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, honey soy glaze