Grilled Lemon Tarragon Chicken
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes (Note: Marinating time is not included)
Total Time: 50 minutes
Description:
Grilled Lemon Tarragon Chicken is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the citrusy brightness of lemon with the earthy aroma of tarragon. This recipe features one of my favorite marinades for chicken, which I enjoy making as the zesty lemon enhances the savory poultry, while the dried and fresh tarragon add a fragrant herbal note. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this dish will elevate your grilling experience with a burst of flavor. Keep in mind that marinating the chicken for several hours (or overnight) is recommended for the best results.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (preferably boneless and skinless breasts or thighs) | 1 whole chicken |
| Light corn syrup | 1/3 cup |
| Lemon, rind of | 1 whole |
| Lemon juice | 1/3 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1/4 onion |
| Dried tarragon | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh tarragon | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/8 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 707 kcal |
| Fat Content | 48.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 11.7 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 172.5 mg |
| Sodium Content | 470.3 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 25 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.3 g |
| Sugar Content | 8.5 g |
| Protein Content | 43.1 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by placing your chicken pieces (either boneless skinless breasts or thighs) into a shallow dish, ready for marinating. Make sure the chicken is well spaced out to absorb the marinade evenly.
-
Make the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients: light corn syrup, lemon rind (grated or zested), fresh lemon juice, finely chopped onion, dried tarragon, fresh tarragon leaves, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the ingredients together thoroughly until the corn syrup has dissolved, and the tarragon and lemon are evenly distributed through the mixture.
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- Pour the marinade over the chicken in the shallow dish, ensuring that every piece is well-coated. You can use a spoon or your hands to gently rub the marinade into the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for several hours. For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
-
Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, aim for a direct heat area of about 6 inches from the coals.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting during grilling. Discard any used marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is tender and juicy. Be sure to baste the chicken frequently with the reserved marinade during grilling, turning it occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.
-
Serve:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a tender, juicy bite.
- Slice the chicken into serving portions, and serve with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Additional Tips:
- Marinating Time: While the recipe suggests marinating for several hours, the longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will become. Overnight marinating is ideal for the best results.
- Substitute for Tarragon: If you don’t have fresh or dried tarragon on hand, you can substitute with other herbs such as basil or thyme, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Grilling Tip: If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can easily be adapted for the stovetop. Use a grill pan or a heavy skillet to cook the chicken. The key is to ensure the chicken is evenly cooked and retains its juiciness.
Conclusion:
This Grilled Lemon Tarragon Chicken recipe is perfect for those who love the combination of bright citrus and aromatic herbs. It’s an easy-to-make, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s great for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a summer barbecue. Give it a try and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!
