Lemon-Rosemary Grilled Chicken Recipe
Name: Lemon-Rosemary Grilled Chicken
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description: This Lemon-Rosemary Grilled Chicken is a delightful recipe shared from lovewithrecipes.com. It brings together the fresh and zesty flavors of lemon and rosemary with the savory and tender goodness of grilled chicken. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this recipe can be grilled or broiled for a versatile and quick weeknight dinner.
Recipe Category: Chicken
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, High Protein, Spring, Summer, Weeknight, Broil/Grill, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/3 cup
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
- Fresh Rosemary: 3 sprigs (finely chopped)
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
- Chicken Halves: 2 (about 3 pounds each)
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 414.1
- Fat Content: 27.3 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.8 g
- Cholesterol Content: 92.8 mg
- Sodium Content: 177.9 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 11.2 g
- Fiber Content: 0.5 g
- Sugar Content: 9.2 g
- Protein Content: 30.8 g
Servings: 4
Instructions:
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Marinade Preparation:
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, and garlic.
- Mix well to create a harmonious marinade that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
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Chicken Preparation:
- Transfer the marinade to a shallow glass dish large enough to hold the chicken halves in a single layer.
- Remove the wing tips from the split broilers and trim off any excess fat and skin to ensure even cooking and presentation.
- Place the chicken halves between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, flatten them slightly. This step ensures more even cooking.
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Marinating the Chicken:
- Place the chicken halves in the marinade, turning them to coat thoroughly.
- Cover the dish and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the vibrant flavors.
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Preparing the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to a medium-high setting, or prepare medium-hot coals if using a charcoal grill.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it drain, reserving the marinade for later use.
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Cooking the Chicken:
- Place the chicken, bone side down, on the grill. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is golden brown, monitoring for flare-ups and moving the chicken as necessary to avoid burning.
- Turn the chicken over and continue grilling for another 10-15 minutes until the second side is golden brown.
- During this time, bring the reserved marinade to a rapid boil on the stovetop and cook for 3 minutes to eliminate any bacteria from the raw chicken. Allow it to cool slightly.
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Finishing Touches:
- Stir the honey and Dijon mustard into the cooled marinade.
- Brush this mixture over the chicken as it cooks, turning the chicken and brushing it frequently for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork.
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Serving:
- Season the chicken to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cut into serving size pieces and serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon slices and rosemary sprigs if desired.
Detailed Analysis and Tips
Selecting the Ingredients:
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the most vibrant and authentic flavor. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch but lacks the same fresh taste.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits. It adds a pleasant smoothness to the marinade.
- Fresh Rosemary: Fresh herbs provide a more intense flavor than dried ones. Strip the leaves from the stems and chop finely for the best distribution of flavor.
- Garlic: Mince fresh garlic cloves to ensure the fullest garlic flavor. Avoid garlic powder as it doesn’t impart the same depth of flavor.
- Chicken Halves: Splitting the chicken ensures it cooks evenly. Opt for free-range or organic chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Honey and Dijon Mustard: The sweetness of honey and the tang of Dijon mustard create a balanced glaze that enhances the chicken’s flavor as it grills.
Marinating Tips:
- Time: A 30-minute marinating time is sufficient to impart significant flavor, but if you have more time, you can marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. Longer marinating times can make the chicken even more flavorful.
- Room Temperature: Marinating at room temperature helps the chicken to absorb the marinade more quickly. However, if you choose to marinate longer, always refrigerate the chicken to prevent bacterial growth.
Grilling Techniques:
- Preheating: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high. If the grill is too hot, the chicken may burn on the outside before cooking through.
- Flare-Ups: Watch for flare-ups caused by dripping fat. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to control them, or move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill temporarily.
- Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Alternatively, the juices should run clear when pierced, and the meat should no longer be pink.
Serving Suggestions:
- Accompaniments: Serve the chicken with a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or a light pasta dish. A side of garlic mashed potatoes or a quinoa salad also pairs well.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of additional lemon juice just before serving can elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.
Storing and Reheating:
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Variations and Customizations:
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil if you prefer or if rosemary isn’t available.
- Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the marinade for a hint of heat or smokiness.
- Citrus: Substitute lime or orange juice for a different citrus flavor profile.
Health Benefits
Lemon-Rosemary Grilled Chicken is not just delicious but also nutritious:
- High Protein: With 30.8 grams of protein per serving, this dish is great for muscle repair and overall health.
- Healthy Fats: The use of olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
- Low Sodium: With only 177.9 mg of sodium per serving, this recipe is suitable for those watching their salt intake.
- Balanced Carbohydrates: The moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the honey, provides a touch of sweetness without being overly sugary.
Perfect for Occasions
This recipe shines in various settings:
- Weeknight Dinners: Quick and easy enough for a delicious mid-week meal.
- Spring and Summer Gatherings: Ideal for outdoor grilling and barbecues.
- Special Occasions: Elegant enough for entertaining guests with its gourmet flavor profile.
By following these detailed steps and tips, you can create a mouthwatering Lemon-Rosemary Grilled Chicken that is sure to impress with its bright, fresh flavors and tender, juicy texture. Whether for a casual family dinner or a more elaborate gathering, this dish brings a taste of summer sunshine to your table. Enjoy the delightful combination of lemon and rosemary in every bite!
