Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 600g chicken breast fillets, cut into 2cm pieces
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 5 tbsp plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Large pinch of white pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked noodles (optional, for serving)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tsp cornflour
• 2 unwaxed lemons, zested and juiced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 2 tsp sesame oil

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the cornflour with the lemon zest and juice, whisking until smooth and free of lumps. Then add the honey, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and set the sauce aside for later.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, salt, and white pepper. Add the beaten egg and 4 tablespoons of water, mixing until you get a smooth batter. Gently toss the chicken pieces into the batter, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat. Fry the battered chicken pieces in batches for about 6 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain the excess oil.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken with Sauce

Once all the chicken is fried, return it to the pan, still on high heat. Pour the sauce into the pan and toss the chicken pieces, ensuring each one is well-coated. The sauce will thicken and stick to the chicken, giving it a glossy finish. Garnish with finely sliced spring onions.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the crispy sesame lemon chicken on its own or with a side of noodles for a complete meal. It also pairs well with fresh vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Christmas Dinner

• Flavorful and Festive: The tangy lemon sauce, combined with the crunch of sesame seeds, makes this dish stand out with its unique flavor combination.
• Crispy Texture: The crispy coating adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken.
• Simple and Quick: With just a few steps, you can prepare a dish that feels special and delicious, ideal for a busy Christmas dinner.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Sesame Lemon Chicken

• Use unwaxed lemons to avoid any waxy coating in the sauce.
• Feel free to adjust the honey or soy sauce to make the dish as sweet or salty as you like.
• Serve with light sides like steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to complement the richness of the chicken.