Zesty Lemon Tarragon Grilled Chicken
Elevate your outdoor grilling experience with this mouthwatering Zesty Lemon Tarragon Grilled Chicken. Infused with a vibrant marinade featuring fresh lemon juice, aromatic tarragon, and a hint of sweetness from corn syrup, this dish is a delightful explosion of flavors. Perfectly grilled to crispy perfection, each bite reveals tender chicken that captures the essence of summer. This recipe is ideal for weekend barbecues or weeknight dinners, making it a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken, cut in parts
1 (cut into desired parts)
light corn syrup
1/3 cup (liquid)
grated lemon rind
1 teaspoon (zest of one lemon)
lemon juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
corn oil
1/4 cup (liquid)
fine-chopped onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
dried tarragon
1 1/2 teaspoons (or 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (seasoning)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the chicken pieces in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag for easy marination.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, grated lemon rind, fresh lemon juice, corn oil, finely chopped onion, tarragon, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag tightly.
4
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure it absorbs the marinade evenly.
5
Once marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and set the marinade aside for basting.
6
Place the chicken on the grill approximately 6 inches from the heat source. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Baste with the reserved marinade during grilling to enhance flavor and moisture.
7
Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your perfectly grilled lemon tarragon chicken!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Tarragon Grilled Chicken?
It is a flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a blend of lemon juice, fresh tarragon, and a hint of sweetness from corn syrup.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of light corn syrup, lemon rind, lemon juice, corn oil, finely chopped onion, tarragon, salt, and pepper.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Can I use fresh tarragon instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute 1.5 teaspoons of dried tarragon with 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped tarragon.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for one chicken cut into parts.
What is the purpose of the corn syrup in the marinade?
The light corn syrup provides a hint of sweetness and helps create a crispy, caramelized exterior on the grill.
What grill temperature is recommended?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How far should the chicken be from the heat source?
The chicken should be placed approximately 6 inches from the heat source.
How long does the chicken take to grill?
It takes about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on the size of the pieces.
Should I save the marinade after removing the chicken?
Yes, set the marinade aside to use for basting the chicken during the grilling process.
How do I ensure the chicken absorbs the marinade evenly?
Turn the chicken pieces occasionally while they are refrigerating in the marinade.
What should I do with the chicken right before grilling?
Remove it from the marinade and allow any excess liquid to drip off before placing it on the grill.
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure it remains juicy.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using corn oil.
How much lemon juice do I need?
You will need 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the best way to marinate the chicken?
You can use a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag for easy marination.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped to blend well into the marinade.
What does the tarragon add to the dish?
Tarragon provides an aromatic, slightly sweet, and herbal flavor profile.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used if fresh is unavailable.
How much lemon rind is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of grated lemon rind.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, it captures the essence of summer and is perfect for outdoor grilling.
What are some suggested side dishes?
This chicken pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.
What is the first step of the preparation?
The first step is placing the chicken pieces in a dish or bag for marination.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients including the chicken and seasonings.
What is the recommended amount of salt?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the recommended amount of pepper?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The chicken should be cooked through with visible grill marks and no longer pink in the center.
Can I use a different type of syrup?
The recipe specifies light corn syrup, but honey could be a potential substitute, though it may change the flavor slightly.
What makes the chicken 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lemon juice and grated lemon rind provides the signature zesty flavor.