Citrusy Michael Symon Lemon Chicken Recipe

Michael Symon’s lemon chicken bursts with zesty Mediterranean charm, turning an everyday meal into a flavor-packed sensation.

Aromatic herbs and bright citrus create a mouthwatering symphony on your plate.

Succulent chicken becomes a canvas for vibrant, punchy seasonings that sing with each bite.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Marinating secrets unlock layers of rich, tantalizing flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple techniques combine to produce a dish that looks gourmet but feels wonderfully approachable.

Elevate your dinner game with this irresistible chicken masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients in Michael Symon Lemon Chicken

• Garlic: Choose fresh, firm cloves with no green sprouts for the most robust flavor.
• Thyme: Select bright green, fragrant sprigs with no wilting or browning.
• Rosemary: Pick sturdy stems with vibrant green needles and strong aromatic scent.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for better flavor distribution and texture.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more intense and complex flavor profile.
• Lemons: Select firm, bright yellow fruits with smooth skin for maximum juice and zest.

• Chicken Pieces: Choose fresh, high-quality cuts with no discoloration or odd smell.
• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control overall recipe seasoning.

• Pan Juices: Collect and strain for additional flavor enhancement.

Equipment for Lemon Chicken

• Large Non-Reactive Bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for butterflying chicken pieces evenly.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for preparing chicken.
• Baking Dish: Allows chicken to cook evenly in single layer.
• Pastry Brush: Great for applying melted butter and basting.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning measurements.
• Kitchen Tongs: Helps handle chicken during marinating and baking.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Checks chicken's internal temperature accurately.
• Tablespoon: Useful for skimming fat from pan juices.

Cooking Directions for Michael Symon Lemon Chicken

• Craft a Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab fresh herbs and garlic, squeeze some zesty lemon juice, and whisk together a tangy blend that’ll make your chicken sing with excitement. Mix chopped thyme, rosemary, crushed garlic, and bright lemon zest into a vibrant coating that’ll transform ordinary poultry into something extraordinary.

• Prepare Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Butterfly each chicken piece carefully, creating thin, even portions that’ll soak up every drop of delicious marinade. This technique helps seasonings penetrate deeply, ensuring each bite bursts with incredible taste.

• Marinate and Infuse

Completely coat chicken in the herbal mixture, letting it rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. During this time, the flavors will mingle and dance, creating a mouthwatering foundation for your meal.

• Roast to Golden Perfection

Crank the oven to 425°F and arrange chicken in a baking dish. Brush with melted butter for an extra touch of richness. The skin will transform into a crispy, golden masterpiece that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

• Bake and Monitor

Roast chicken for about 35-45 minutes, basting midway with reserved marinade. Watch for golden-brown skin and ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F. Each piece should look gorgeous and taste even better.

• Rest and Serve with Flair

Let the chicken relax for 10 minutes after cooking, allowing juices to redistribute. Skim excess fat from pan drippings and prepare to impress your dinner guests with a stunning, herb-infused dish that screams home-cooked deliciousness.

Tips to Enhance Michael Symon Lemon Chicken

• Boost Marinade Magic: Experiment with different herb combinations like oregano, sage, or tarragon to create unique flavor profiles that make your chicken sing with deliciousness.
• Customize Cooking Techniques: Try grilling the marinated chicken for a smoky char or pan-searing before finishing in the oven to develop a crispy, caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and intensifies flavor.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the marinade and chicken up to 24 hours in advance, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This technique allows flavors to develop more deeply and saves precious time on busy cooking days.
• Budget-Friendly Flavor Boosters: Swap fresh herbs with dried alternatives when needed, using one-third the amount. Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan juices for extra depth and richness that transforms a simple dish into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Serving Lemon Chicken the Symon Way

• Serve with Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Complement the chicken by roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots, brussels sprouts, and potatoes with similar herbs used in the marinade for a harmonious flavor profile.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to enhance the lemony, herbal notes of the chicken and cut through its rich, buttery texture.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to add brightness and contrast to the herb-infused chicken dish.
• Drizzle with Reserved Pan Juices: Spoon the skimmed, flavorful pan juices directly over the plated chicken to intensify the herbs and provide an extra layer of moisture and taste.

Storage and Reheating for Michael Symon Lemon Chicken

• Maximize Meal Prep: Store marinated chicken in sealed containers within the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining optimal flavor intensity.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Cool leftover chicken completely within two hours, then transfer to airtight containers, ensuring they're sealed tightly to preserve moisture and prevent contamination.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place inside heavy-duty freezer bags, allowing safe storage for up to three months without losing quality or taste.
• Reheating Performance: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a preheated 350°F oven, covering with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent drying, typically requiring 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Zesty Michael Symon Lemon Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling michael symon lemon chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to home kitchens with zesty, herb-infused marinade. Juicy chicken emerges from roasting with crisp skin and tangy notes that promise a delightful meal you will want to savor repeatedly.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 lbs chicken parts (thighs and legs), skin-on, bone-in, trimmed
• 2 tbsps fresh chopped thyme (or 2 tsp dried)
• 2 tsp fresh chopped rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4 tsp lemon zest (about zest from 2 lemons)
• ⅓ cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsps butter, melted
• Lemon slices for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk together minced garlic, thyme leaves, rosemary, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a non-reactive mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Chicken Preparation: Butterfly chicken pieces by carefully slicing horizontally to create thinner, more even portions that will absorb marinade more effectively. Submerge chicken completely in the marinade, ensuring full coverage. Refrigerate for 90-120 minutes to allow deep flavor infusion.
3. Oven Preheating and Initial Roasting: Heat oven to 425°F (218°C). Transfer marinated chicken to a large baking dish, arranging pieces in a single layer with skin facing upward. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving liquid. Brush each piece generously with melted butter.
4. Roasting and Monitoring: Bake chicken for 20 minutes, then baste liberally with reserved marinade. Continue roasting until skin turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 35-45 total minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness across different chicken cuts.
5. Resting and Serving: Remove chicken from oven and tent with aluminum foil for 10 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Skim excess fat from pan drippings, using responsibly for future cooking or proper disposal.

Notes

• Marinate Thoroughly: Let chicken soak in lemon-herb mixture for at least 90 minutes to ensure deep flavor penetration and tenderize meat.
• Butterfly with Care: Slice chicken pieces horizontally to create even thickness, promoting uniform cooking and maximum marinade absorption.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
• Rest and Redistribute: Cover chicken with foil for 10 minutes after cooking, allowing internal juices to settle and ensuring each bite remains succulent and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg