Mediterranean Honey-Sesame Chicken with Lemon Rice
This Honey-Sesame Chicken with Lemon Rice is a modern Mediterranean-style dish with soft, juicy chicken glazed in a light honey-sesame sauce (not Asian, very mild and balanced). It’s paired with fragrant lemon rice and fresh herbs. Comforting, elegant, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
⏱️ Time Required
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
For Honey-Sesame Chicken
500 g boneless chicken breast or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1½ tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, light)
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tsp butter (optional, for shine)
For Lemon Rice
2 cups cooked basmati rice
1 tbsp olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley or dill
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Season chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Cook chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
3. Make glaze
Lower heat. Add honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, butter, and sesame seeds.
Toss chicken until glazed and slightly sticky (2–3 minutes).
4. Prepare lemon rice
Mix cooked rice with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and herbs.
5. Serve
Plate lemon rice and top with honey-sesame chicken. Spoon extra glaze on top.
💡 Tips
Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
Skip soy sauce if you want fully Mediterranean flavor.
Add steamed green beans or broccoli on the side.
Works great as a meal-prep dish.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this sweet?
It’s lightly sweet, balanced with lemon — not sugary.
Q: Can I use fish instead?
Yes! Salmon works beautifully with this glaze.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
Very much — no spice at all
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: 460 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 2 g