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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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