Barefoot Contessa’s Zesty Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

Grilled lemon chicken represents a quintessential summer staple that transforms ordinary poultry into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside savory herbs, creating a marinade that infuses meat with remarkable depth and complexity.

Mediterranean-inspired cooking techniques elevate this dish beyond standard protein preparations.

Zesty ingredients penetrate tender muscle fibers, ensuring maximum flavor absorption during high-heat grilling.

The technique requires minimal equipment but delivers maximum gustatory satisfaction with each succulent bite.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe bridges home cooking and restaurant-quality results.

You can recreate restaurant-worthy magic with just a handful of fresh ingredients and basic grilling skills: prepare to impress everyone at your next outdoor gathering.

Why Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken Is a Summer Staple

• Burst with Zesty Freshness: The bright lemon marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a vibrant, tangy delight that dances on your taste buds with each juicy bite.
• Master Simple Grilling Techniques: This recipe offers foolproof grilling method that even novice cooks can nail, delivering perfectly golden-brown chicken with minimal kitchen stress.
• Quick and Versatile Meal Solution: Prepare ahead by marinating overnight, then grill in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or casual backyard parties.
• Healthy Protein-Packed Crowd-Pleaser: Lean chicken breasts infused with aromatic herbs create a nutritious meal that satisfies hunger while keeping things light and flavorful for health-conscious food lovers.

Must-Have Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken

• Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty acid that tenderizes the chicken and adds fresh citrus flavor.
• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base that helps distribute flavors and keep chicken moist during grilling.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the marinade's flavor profile.
• Thyme: Fragrant herb that brings earthy, slightly minty undertones to the dish.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully and grills to tender perfection. Look for fresh, high-quality breasts with minimal fat.

• Wooden Skewers: Practical tool for easy serving and elegant presentation of sliced chicken. Soak in water before use to prevent burning.

Preserving Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken

• Freeze: Seal Grilled Lemon Chicken in heavy-duty freezer bags, removing all air to prevent freezer burn. Label each bag with the date and contents for easy tracking. Properly stored chicken maintains its juicy flavor and tender texture for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy families.
• Refrigerate: Maximize freshness by storing chicken in shallow, airtight glass containers that seal completely. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture. Separate leftover chicken into individual portions for quick grab-and-go lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
• Reheating: Revive the chicken's original grilled flavor by using the oven method. Preheat to 350°F, wrap chicken in foil to retain moisture, and warm for 10-15 minutes.

Fun Variations on Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken

• Herb Garden Burst: Enhance the marinade by adding a mix of fresh rosemary, basil, and oregano to create a vibrant herb-infused chicken that brings Mediterranean flavors to your plate.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes and a splash of orange juice into the marinade for a zesty, slightly spicy version that adds exciting warmth to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Yogurt Blend: Replace part of the olive oil with Greek yogurt and add minced garlic and za'atar spice blend to transform the chicken into a creamy, aromatic dish with Middle Eastern inspiration.
• Honey Mustard Infusion: Mix in dijon mustard and a drizzle of honey to the marinade, creating a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes beautifully when grilled, adding depth and richness to the chicken.

Concluding Thoughts on Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken

Mediterranean culinary magic blooms through Ina Garten’s grilled lemon chicken, where simple ingredients dance into extraordinary flavors.

Fresh herbs and citrus create elegant harmony on your plate, transforming ordinary chicken into a memorable meal.

Classic techniques merge with Mediterranean influences, producing succulent results that elevate home cooking.

Lemon’s brightness cuts through rich chicken notes, creating balanced excitement for discerning palates.

Charcoal grilling adds smoky depth, intensifying natural chicken characteristics with minimal effort.

Passionate cooks who savor authentic flavors will adore this recipe’s effortless sophistication – share this culinary gem, spark conversation in comments, and spread delicious inspiration across your favorite social platforms.

Step-by-Step Guide to Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Craft Zesty Marinade

• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Fragrant thyme leaves

Whisk all ingredients in a ceramic bowl until they dance together, creating a tangy liquid gold.

Step 2: Bathe Chicken in Flavor

Nestle chicken breasts into a glass container and lovingly drench them with the citrusy marinade. Seal with a lid and let the magic happen in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours, allowing every fiber to soak up the Mediterranean-inspired goodness.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Ignite your charcoal grill, aiming for a sizzling medium-high heat zone. The goal is creating those gorgeous caramel-colored grill marks that scream summer deliciousness.

Step 4: Transform Chicken into Grilling Masterpiece

Place chicken breasts on the grate, listening for that satisfying sear. Grill approximately 10 minutes per side until the chicken reaches a perfect golden-brown exterior and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Let chicken rest briefly, then slice diagonally into elegant strips. Skewer pieces onto wooden picks for an effortless, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.

Suggestions for a Great Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken

• Zest Wisely: Grate lemon zest directly before using to capture the most vibrant, aromatic oils and ensure maximum flavor intensity for the chicken marinade.
• Marinate Smartly: Let the chicken soak in the lemon mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the citrus to tenderize and deeply infuse the meat with bright, tangy notes.
• Grill with Precision: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking, creating beautiful grill marks and sealing in the chicken's juiciness.
• Rest and Relax: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains succulent and flavorful.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing both safety and perfect doneness without drying out the meat.

Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s grilled lemon chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with zesty marinades and perfect char marks. Juicy chicken breasts infused with garlic, oregano, and citrus create a simple yet elegant meal you can savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 900 g (2 pounds) boneless chicken breasts, halved and skin removed

Oils and Liquids:

• 180 ml (6 fluid ounces) freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
• 180 ml (6 fluid ounces) good olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by thoroughly whisking freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fragrant dried thyme in a medium-sized mixing bowl until the ingredients are perfectly integrated.
2. Immerse the chicken breasts completely in the prepared marinade within a glass or ceramic nonreactive container, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the container with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Prepare the grill by heating charcoal to a consistent medium-high temperature, approximately 375-400°F (190-204°C). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and promote beautiful grill marks.
4. Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts onto the preheated grill, positioning them at a 45-degree angle for optimal crosshatch grill marks. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes on each side, rotating once halfway through to ensure even cooking and achieving a golden-brown exterior.
5. Verify the chicken’s doneness by using a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
6. After resting, slice the chicken breasts diagonally into uniform 0.6-inch (1.5 cm) thick pieces. Carefully thread the slices onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, creating an elegant and convenient serving presentation.

Notes

• Boost flavor with zesty lemon rind, ensuring you grate it fresh for maximum tanginess and avoid bottled juice.
• Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of half an hour, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deeper, more complex tastes.
• Select creamy, full-fat Greek yoghurt to create a rich, luxurious texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Customize seasoning by tasting and adjusting salt, pepper, or citrus levels just before serving for perfect balance.
• Handle ingredients delicately, stirring with a light touch to preserve chicken’s tender structure and prevent breakdown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 349 kcal
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 21.6g
• Saturated Fat: 6.5g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 105mg