🍋 Crispy Sesame Lemon Chicken – Takeaway Style, Made Healthier
Craving Chinese-style lemon chicken? This version keeps all the crispy, sticky goodness without the heavy guilt. Made with juicy chicken breast, fresh lemon, and toasted sesame, it’s a flavour bomb the whole family will love.
Info
Prep time:
Cooking time:
Difficulty:
Serves:
Dairy-free, High-protein, Low sugar, Nut-free
10 mins
15 mins
Easy
6
Sugars
7g
Kcal
280
Fibre
1g
Fat
8g
Protein
26g
Saturates
1g
Salt
1.05g
Carbs
26g
Info
Cooking time:
Prep time:
10 mins
Dairy-free, High-protein, Low sugar, Nut-free
Difficulty:
Serves:
15 mins
Easy
6
Info
~N/A~
Prep time:
Cooking time:
~N/A~
Difficulty:
~N/A~
Serves:
~N/A~
Dietary Types
Sugars
7g
Fibre
1g
Protein
26g
Salt
1.05g
Info
Prep time:
Cooking time:
Difficulty:
Serves:
Dairy-free, High-protein, Low sugar, Nut-free
10 mins
15 mins
Easy
6
Sugars
~N/A~
Fibre
~N/A~
Protein
~N/A~
Salt
~N/A~
Info
Prep time:
~N/A~
Cooking time:
~N/A~
Difficulty:
~N/A~
Serves:
~N/A~
Dietary Types
Kcal
~N/A~
Fat
~N/A~
Saturates
~N/A~
Carbs
~N/A~
Ingredients:
**For the Chicken:**
• 600g chicken breast fillets, cut into 2cm pieces
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 large red or yellow pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil (for frying)
• Spring onions, finely sliced, to serve
• Cooked noodles (optional, to serve)
**For the Sauce:**
• ½ tsp cornflour
• Zest and juice of 2 small lemons
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the cornflour, lemon zest and juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Stir until smooth and set aside.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Place the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into a bowl. Toss in the chicken pieces and coat evenly.
3. Fry the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches, turning often until golden and cooked through (about 6–8 mins). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Bring It Together:
Wipe out the pan and stir-fry the pepper in the sesame oil for 2–3 minutes. Add the sauce and cook for 1 minute until thickened slightly. Return the chicken to the pan, toss well to coat, and sprinkle with spring onions to finish. Serve hot with noodles or rice.
Healthy Swaps & Tips:
• Swap noodles for cauliflower rice or stir-fried greens
• Use gluten-free flour if needed
• Air fry the chicken instead of deep frying
• Add sugar snap peas or mangetout for extra veg
• Try orange instead of lemon for a sweeter twist
Storage & Meal Prep:
• Sauce can be made 2 days ahead
• Store leftovers in the fridge for 2–3 days
• Best reheated in a pan to keep chicken crisp
• Not suitable for freezing once cooked
Ideal For:
• Takeaway lovers wanting a healthier option
• Busy households needing a 30-minute dinner
• Meal preppers looking for a zingy lunch
• Families with kids – they’ll love the sticky glaze!