Lemon, Scallop, and Chicken Second Course Recipes

When it comes to preparing a delightful and impressive second course, combining flavors and ingredients can take your culinary skills to another level. Three ingredients that perfectly complement each other are lemon, scallop, and chicken. In this article, we will explore three tantalizing recipes that incorporate these ingredients, and by the end, you’ll have three new dishes to impress your guests or simply indulge in your own culinary delight.

Recipe 1: Lemon-Glazed Scallops with Grilled Chicken Breast

Ingredients:
– 8 large scallops
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Place them on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine the juice of one lemon, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
4. Place the scallops in a shallow dish and pour the lemon glaze over them, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow them to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
5. Place the marinated scallops on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and have a slightly caramelized exterior.
6. Squeeze the juice of the remaining lemon all over the cooked scallops and chicken breasts.
7. Serve the lemon-glazed scallops alongside the grilled chicken breast, garnished with fresh parsley.

Recipe 2: Lemon Buttered Scallops with Chicken and Herb Rice

Ingredients:
– 8 large scallops
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– Juice and zest of 1 lemon
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup cooked rice
– Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or basil), chopped

Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
2. Add the cooked rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it with the garlic butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and lemon zest. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, cook the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn a golden brown.
5. Remove the scallops from the skillet and place them on top of the cooked chicken thighs.
6. Deglaze the skillet with the lemon juice, scraping the browned bits from the bottom. Allow the sauce to simmer for a minute, then pour it over the scallops and chicken.
7. Serve the lemon buttered scallops and chicken alongside the herb rice, garnished with additional fresh herbs.

Recipe 3: Lemon and Herb Marinated Chicken with Scallop Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 large scallops
– 8 shrimp (peeled and deveined)
– Juice and zest of 2 lemons
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano), chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Set aside the remaining marinade for the seafood skewers.
3. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, for enhanced flavor.
4. Thread the scallops and shrimp onto separate skewers. Brush them with the reserved marinade.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
6. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7. Grill the seafood skewers for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the scallops turn golden brown and the shrimp are pink and opaque.
8. Remove the seafood skewers from the grill and squeeze some lemon juice over them.
9. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them on a platter with the grilled scallop shrimp skewers.
10. Garnish with lemon zest and serve alongside your favorite side dish.

In conclusion, these lemon, scallop, and chicken recipes are perfect for those looking to prepare a memorable second course. The bright and tangy flavors of the lemon, the delicate sweetness of the scallops, and the tender juiciness of the chicken create a culinary experience that is sure to impress. So, get your apron on, gather these ingredients, and let your taste buds embark on a savory journey!