Best Juicy Honey Ginger Chicken Breast Pan-Seared
My juicy Honey Ginger Chicken Breast, pan-seared, diced, is smothered in a delicious sauce with fresh ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Unlike other chicken recipes, pan-searing the chicken breast and then dicing it into smaller pieces results in juicy chicken full of Asian flavors.
I’m sharing my best tips for making juicy Honey Ginger Chicken Breast, pan-seared, diced, and smothered in a tangy and delicious sauce. The honey sauce is quickly made with fresh ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Unlike other chicken recipes, pan-searing the chicken breast, allowing it to rest, and then dicing it into smaller pieces results in juicy chicken full of Asian flavors. This is one of our go-to chicken recipes for an Asian-inspired dinner, and my whole family devours it with brown rice and a side of fresh vegetables. And we save tons of money with healthier Chinese takeout we all enjoy.
Why Does Pan Searing the Whole Chicken Breast Make It Juicier Than Cutting It Into Chunks First?
Pan searing a whole chicken breast helps retain its natural moisture better than cooking smaller pieces. With less surface area exposed to heat, a whole breast experiences less moisture loss, which leads to a juicier final result. It also allows the chicken to cook more evenly. In contrast, smaller chunks often cook at different rates due to their varied sizes, which can lead to dryness.
Why Is This Honey Ginger Chicken Recipe a Great Alternative to Chinese Takeout?
Making this honey ginger chicken at home gives you full control over the ingredients and cooking process. By choosing fresh ingredients and using lighter options like olive oil instead of the heavy oils typically used for frying, you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s lighter and more tailored to your preferences. Adjusting the amount of honey and soy sauce lets you fine-tune the flavors without overloading on sweetness or salt. Plus, it’s a fun and satisfying way to create a restaurant-style dish in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Ginger Chicken Recipe
- Juicy and Tender: This Honey Ginger Chicken Breast is pan-seared to perfection, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful with a rich, tangy sauce.
- Quick and Easy: The honey sauce comes together fast with simple ingredients like fresh ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, making dinner a breeze.
- Family Favorite: This Asian-inspired chicken recipe is always a hit at our table, especially when served with brown rice and fresh veggies.
- Better Than Takeout: Save money and enjoy a healthier version of Chinese takeout right at home with this delicious chicken recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best honey ginger chicken recipe:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Substitute with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Garlic Powder: You can omit this or replace it with 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic or onion powder.
Coarse Sea Salt: Substitute with kosher salt or table salt.
Black Pepper: Use a dash of white pepper for a milder flavor or a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
Light Olive Oil: Replace with avocado oil for a neutral flavor or coconut oil for a hint of coconut.
Butter: Substitute with ghee for a richer taste or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Garlic Cloves: Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1 teaspoon of garlic paste instead.
Honey: Replace with maple syrup for a vegan option or agave syrup for a milder sweetness.
Rice Vinegar: Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in equal amounts.
Soy Sauce: Use gluten-free soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Sesame Oil: Replace with olive oil and add 1/4 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds for a similar flavor.
Fresh Ginger: Use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger.
Cornstarch: Substitute with 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: You can use plain sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or chopped cashews for a nutty crunch.
Green Onions: Substitute with chives or finely chopped shallots for a similar flavor profile.
How to Make My Delicious Sesame Chicken with Honey and Ginger Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my easy honey chicken breast recipe. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Prep the Sauce
In a small bowl, add 3 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon ginger. In a small bowl add 2 tablespoons of water and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Stir until cornstarch is dissolved and pour in with the rest of the sauce ingredients.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound them to an even .5″ thickness. Season both sides with garlic powder, coarse sea salt, and a dash of pepper to taste.
In a large skillet, frying pan, or large wok, heat 3 tablespoons of light olive oil over medium-high heat. I love using my Hexclad Hybrid pan.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to allow it to rest.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same chicken skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Cut the rested chicken into strips or chunks and return to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Sprinkle the chicken with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with your choice of side, such as steamed vegetables or rice.
Helpful Recipe Notes
Chicken Thickness Matters: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness before cooking ensures they cook evenly, prevents the outside from burning while the inside remains undercooked, and makes them extra tender and juicy.
Adjusting the Sauce Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 2 tablespoons of honey and taste before adding more. You can also balance the sweetness by adding an extra splash of rice vinegar.
Cooking in Batches: If your skillet isn’t large enough to comfortably fit both chicken breasts without overcrowding, cook them in batches. Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from developing a nice golden crust.
Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it’s simmering.
Serving Suggestions for Best Healthy Honey Ginger Pan-Seared Chicken Breast
- This honey ginger chicken pairs nicely with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a classic side.
- For a zesty twist, try serving it over cilantro lime rice.
- For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice as a base.
- Sautéed greens like spinach or kale, or roasted vegetables prepared in the air fryer, are great complements.
- Air-fried green beans or your favorite vegetables can add color and texture to the meal.
- Drizzle lime juice over the dish and garnish with fresh cilantro and spring onions for a burst of freshness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu.
- Add a hint of fish sauce or dijon mustard to the sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Do you love Asian-inspired food? Check out more of my easy and nutritious Asian-inspired recipes:
Best Juicy Honey Ginger Chicken Breast Pan-Fried
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- dash pepper
- 3 tablespoons light olive oil
Honey Ginger Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Garnishes:
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 stalk green onions
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add 3 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon ginger. In a small bowl add 2 tablespoons of water and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Stir until cornstarch is dissolved and pour in with the rest of the sauce ingredients.
- Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound them to an even .5" thickness. Season both sides with garlic powder, coarse sea salt, and a dash of pepper to taste.In a large skillet, frying pan, or large wok, heat 3 tablespoons of light olive oil over medium-high heat. I love using my Hexclad Hybrid pan.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to allow it to rest.
- In the same chicken skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens about 2-3 minutes.
- Cut the rested chicken into strips or chunks and return to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Sprinkle the chicken with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with your choice of side, such as steamed vegetables or rice.
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This recipe is delicious, I keep making it for my family and it’s always a hit.
Hi Lia, that’s fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing this with me 🙂
The flavor of the chicken is so good, pairs well with anything
Thank you for the review, Brock! 🙂
My family loved this!
Thank you, Rachel! I appreciate the review 🙂
My family devoured this meal, they want it again, its going on the rotation.
Haha…that’s awesome, Emma! Thank you for the review 🙂
This was so easy to make and my family loved it! We ate with some white rice and broccoli. Will make again!
Thank you, Dolores! I’m so glad your family loved it, too!
I’m excited to share this delicious and easy honey ginger chicken recipe with you!