Gluten-Free Chinese Lemon Chicken

When it comes to the meals I make over and over again at home, this one tops the list. We’re definitely fans of lemon & chicken in my family (like my Greek Lemon Chicken Soup), but this dish in particular is special. I asked my 6-year-old son what meal he would want on a desert island, and he said THIS ONE.

Chinese Lemon Chicken is a traditional Chinese dish made with chicken cooked in a sweet, sticky, tart lemon sauce. And though this version is non-traditional, it is gluten-free! Here’s why you’re going to love it…

• One pan wonder. The chicken and the sauce are all cooked together in one pan for easy cleanup.
• Family friendly. This is one of those core dishes in my house that I know everyone in my family will eat and enjoy!
• Gluten and soy-free. Traditional lemon chicken is made with soy sauce and a coating that typically isn’t gluten-free. There’s no need to modify this recipe to make it gluten-free; it’s already done for you!

 Michelle’s Tips & Tricks

• Use less lemon if desired. This dish is very lemon-forward, which is what I love about it. But if you prefer sweeter instead of tart, swap out some of the lemon juice for chicken broth.
• Don’t skip the lemon zest. That fresh pop of flavor from the lemon zest is key!
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Adding too much chicken to the pan at once can cause it to steam and the coating to be gummy instead of crispy. If you’re working with a smaller pan, cook the chicken in batches. 
• Slice the chicken into uniform pieces. Cutting pieces of different sizes risks over or undercooking, so make sure they’re all about the same size.