Citrus-Honey Glazed Chicken with Toasted Sesame

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

Pan-seared chicken breasts glazed with a bright citrus-honey sauce and finished with toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch. This asian fusion-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: Remove cooked chicken from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, pour the citrus-honey sauce into the skillet, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over to glaze, and cook an additional 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Plate chicken and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Honey Glazed Chicken with Toasted Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Citrus-Honey Glazed Chicken with Toasted Sesame?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Honey Glazed Chicken with Toasted Sesame?

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 Citrus-Honey Glazed Chicken with Toasted Sesame 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 Citrus-Honey Glazed Chicken with Toasted Sesame?

Asian Fusion 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.

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