Baked Panko-Sesame Chicken in Lemon Candy Sauce

Baked Panko-Sesame Chicken in Lemon Candy Sauce

Baked Sesame Chicken with Sweet Lemon “Candy” Sauce

Podcast-Inspired Goodness from the Citrus Episode of “A Seasoned Friendship”

This recipe caught my attention for two reasons.

First: the chicken isn’t deep fried. It’s baked! And when done right—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—it tastes every bit as indulgent as takeout, but without all the extra oil. Healthier, lighter, and still totally satisfying.

Second: the sauce. Oh, the sauce!
I made this dish during recipe testing for the Citrus episode of my podcast, A Seasoned Friendship, which I co-host with my dear friend Lori Bregenzer. We were playing around with all sorts of proteins and citrus varieties, and what I discovered really stuck with me: freshly squeezed citrus juice matters. A lot. The flavor is brighter, cleaner, and more vibrant than bottled juice—especially when you’re making a citrus-forward sauce like this one.

That “candy” part in the title? That’s because the lemony flavor in this dish—thanks to the fresh lemon juice and zest—reminded me of those classic lemon hard candies I used to love as a kid. Sweet, but not cloying. Tart, but never puckery. Just right.

Here’s how it came together:

• I started by cutting two chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and marinating them in a mixture of egg and sesame oil.
• Then I breaded them in a mix of panko crumbs and sesame seeds and popped them in the oven to bake. No frying mess, no extra fat—just golden, crispy chicken that still stayed moist.
• While that baked, I made the sauce: fresh lemon juice and zest, brown sugar, soy sauce, sautéed onions, and peppers.
• Once everything was ready, I tossed the chicken in the sauce and served it all over steamed rice.

The finished dish was everything I wanted it to be. The sesame coating gave the chicken a subtle nuttiness. The sauce was balanced—lemony but mellow, sweet but not overpowering. The peppers and onions added color, crunch, and a layer of flavor that made every bite more interesting.

And the best part?
It was mom-approved.

If you’re looking for a lighter, citrusy chicken dish with just a touch of nostalgia, give this one a try.

Bon Appétit, friends!