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Discover how to make the perfect lemon chicken at home with easy steps and expert tips from Chef Scott Biffin. A flavorful, citrusy dish your family will love!
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The Perfect Lemon Chicken – Chef Scott Biffin A timeless favorite blending tangy citrus with savory spices for a dish that's both comforting and vibrant. Follow this guide to create restaurant-quality lemon chicken in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need Main Ingredients Marinade Additions • Chicken breasts or thighs • Salt and pepper • Fresh lemons (juice and zest) • Touch of honey • Optional: white wine • Garlic cloves • Fresh herbs • Olive oil For the Sauce • Chicken stock • Lemon zest • Cornstarch • Optional: butter for richness
The Perfect Marinade The secret to flavorful lemon chicken starts with a proper marinade. Combine: • Fresh lemon juice • Minced garlic • Olive oil • Salt and pepper • A touch of honey to balance acidity Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor, though 2-4 hours will yield even better results.
Cooking Technique: Step 1 Remove from Marinade Take the chicken out of the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning. Preheat Your Skillet Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sear to Golden Brown Place chicken in the hot skillet and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
Cooking Technique: Step 2 Finish in the Oven Transfer the seared chicken to a preheated oven (375°F/190°C) to finish cooking through. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), typically 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. This two-step method ensures juicy chicken with a perfectly crisp exterior.
Creating the Perfect Lemon Sauce Use the same skillet to capture all the flavorful bits left from searing the chicken Add a splash of white wine (optional) and scrape up the browned bits Pour in chicken stock, lemon zest, and juice Whisk in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce until glossy Simmer the sauce until slightly reduced and it coats the back of a spoon.
Chef Scott Biffin's Expert Tips "The difference between good and great lemon chicken is in the details. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth, finish with fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon, and always save some fresh lemon zest to sprinkle just before serving." - Chef Scott Biffin, known for transforming simple recipes into gourmet experiences
Bringing It All Together Return Chicken Simmer Briefly Add Fresh Herbs Place the chicken back into the skillet with the sauce Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors Sprinkle with fresh herbs and additional lemon zest
Perfect Pairings Fluffy Rice Roasted Potatoes Steamed Vegetables Perfect for soaking up the delicious lemon sauce. Crispy exterior and soft interior make an ideal side dish. Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans complement the tangy lemon flavor.
Master the Art of Lemon Chicken Practice Makes Perfect Make It Your Own Share Your Creation Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't restaurant-quality. Each time you make this dish, you'll refine your technique. Experiment with additional herbs or spices to create your signature version of lemon chicken. This impressive yet approachable dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With these simple steps and guidance from culinary pros like Chef Scott Biffin, you'll master the art of homemade lemon chicken in no time.