Grilled chicken legs with lemon and pepper are a quintessential summer dish, perfect for those warm evenings spent on the patio, soaking up the sun’s rays and enjoying the company of friends and family. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a total time of 4 hours and 20 minutes, including marinating time, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor.
To begin crafting this delectable dish, gather your ingredients: 8 chicken legs, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper. These simple yet flavorful ingredients combine to create a marinade that will infuse the chicken with a burst of tangy citrus and aromatic herbs.
Start by arranging the chicken legs in a shallow bowl or baking dish, ensuring that they are evenly spaced and flat. This allows the marinade to fully coat each piece of chicken, ensuring maximum flavor penetration. Next, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced rosemary, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated.
Once the chicken is marinated, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours. This extended marinating time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender, juicy chicken that is bursting with flavor. During this time, the acidity of the lemon juice works its magic, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with zesty freshness.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring that it is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place it directly onto the grill. Cook the chicken for approximately 10 minutes, turning once or twice, until it is browned on all sides and cooked through.
If you’re using a gas grill, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the chicken for an additional 20 minutes, checking for doneness periodically. The chicken is ready when it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. If you’re using a charcoal grill, move the chicken to the edges of the grill, cover it, and cook it over indirect heat for 20 minutes, checking for doneness and continuing to cook if needed.
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each bite is succulent and flavorful. Serve the grilled chicken legs with your favorite summer sides, such as grilled vegetables, fresh salads, or crusty bread.
With a savory marinade featuring the bright flavors of lemon and pepper, these grilled chicken legs are sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and savor the simple joys of summer with this delicious dish.
