Zesty Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Breasts
Elevate your weeknight dinners with these Zesty Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Breasts. This recipe offers a burst of fresh flavors, perfectly balancing the tanginess of lemon with the savory aroma of garlic and rosemary. Marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, creating juicy and tender meat that pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad. This dish not only makes for a delightful main course but also symbolizes the essence of Southern cooking, brought to you by the renowned chef Nathalie Dupree of Atlanta. Perfect for summer barbecues or casual family dinners, this chicken is guaranteed to impress!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (bone-in, skin side up)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (fresh ground)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
lemons
2 (juiced)
garlic cloves
4 (chopped)
fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (finely chopped or use 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
Instructions
1
Place the chicken breasts skin side up in a glass dish or a resealable plastic bag.
2
Generously season the chicken with salt and fresh ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped garlic cloves, and finely chopped rosemary until well combined.
4
Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated.
5
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the plastic bag tightly, then place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 day and up to 2 days to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
6
When ready to cook, preheat your grill or broiler. Place the marinated chicken breasts, skin side facing the heat source, onto the grill or under the broiler.
7
Cook for about 15 minutes without moving the chicken, allowing a nice char to develop. Then, carefully turn the chicken over.
8
Continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
9
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary meat used in this recipe?
The recipe uses four bone-in chicken breasts with the skin on.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the recommended marinating time?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 day and up to 2 days.
What type of oil should I use for the marinade?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many lemons are required for the marinade?
You will need the juice from 2 lemons.
How many garlic cloves are used in this dish?
The marinade requires 4 chopped garlic cloves.
What fresh herb is featured in this recipe?
Fresh rosemary is the primary herb used.
Can I substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long should the first side of the chicken cook?
The first side should cook for about 15 minutes without being moved to develop a char.
What is the total grilling time?
The total cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, split into 15 minutes per side.
Which side of the chicken should face the heat first?
The chicken should be placed on the grill or under the broiler with the skin side facing the heat source first.
How do I know the chicken is cooked if I don't have a thermometer?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear when the meat is pierced with a fork.
Should I let the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, you should let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices.
Who is the chef behind this recipe?
This recipe is attributed to the renowned Atlanta chef Nathalie Dupree.
What style of cooking does this recipe represent?
This dish represents the essence of Southern cooking.
What basic seasonings are used?
The chicken is seasoned with salt and fresh ground black pepper.
What are the best containers for marinating the chicken?
A glass dish or a resealable plastic bag are recommended for marinating.
How should the chicken be positioned in the marinating dish?
The chicken breasts should be placed skin side up in the dish or bag.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor cooking?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for summer barbecues.
Can I cook this chicken indoors?
Yes, the instructions provide the option to use a broiler if a grill is not available.
What side dishes go well with this lemon garlic chicken?
It pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad.
Why is the chicken marinated for so long?
Long marinating allows the lemon, garlic, and rosemary flavors to penetrate deeply and keep the meat tender.
Should I move the chicken frequently while grilling?
No, you should avoid moving the chicken for the first 15 minutes to allow a proper char to develop.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to its use of fresh ingredients and lean protein.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish offers a balance of tangy lemon, savory garlic, and aromatic rosemary.
Is the chicken skin removed before cooking?
No, the recipe calls for keeping the skin on to help develop a nice char and maintain juiciness.
Does the recipe use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe recommends using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to place the chicken breasts skin side up in a glass dish or a resealable plastic bag.