When life gives you lemons, why not make a creamy Tuscan lemon chicken? This dish is like a warm hug on a rainy day, with the zestiness of lemons dancing with the savory richness of cream—trust me, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. Even though I stumbled upon this recipe while scrolling through Instagram, it quickly became my go-to for impressing dinner guests—and myself!
Steps
- Sprinkle each side of the flattened chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- In a ceramic or glass dish, mix together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the dish, turning to coat it well, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
- When ready to cook, prepare a grill with a hot charcoal fire on one side, leaving the other side cooler.
- Position the chicken on the cooler side of the grill with the skin side facing up and weigh it down with the marinating dish. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the underside is golden.
- Flip the chicken over, skin side down, weigh down again, and cook for another 12 to 15 minutes until the skin is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, place the lemon halves cut side down on the cooler side of the grill.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate or cutting board, cover with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Quarter the chicken, season with additional salt, and serve alongside the grilled lemon halves.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, approximately 3-1/2 pounds, flattened
- Kosher salt
- 1/3 cup quality olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut in half
FAQ
- How long should I marinate the chicken for optimal flavor?
- It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but for best results, marinating overnight is ideal.
- What type of grill setup is suggested for cooking this chicken?
- A hot charcoal fire on one side of the grill is suggested, or if using a gas grill, set it to low heat. This allows for controlled cooking, with one side being cooler to avoid burning.
- How should the chicken be cooked to ensure it is done properly?
- Start by placing the chicken on the cooler side of the grill, skin side up, and weigh it down. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turn it skin side down, weight it again, and cook for another 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is golden brown.
- What should be done with the lemon halves during grilling?
- Place the lemon halves, cut side down, on the cooler side of the grill for the last 10 minutes of cooking to enhance their flavor.
- What is the final step before serving the chicken?
- After grilling, let the chicken rest under aluminum foil for 5 minutes before cutting it into quarters. Sprinkle with salt and serve with the grilled lemon halves for added flavor.
Tips
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours or, if possible, overnight. This will enhance the depth of flavor and ensure the marinade fully penetrates the meat.
- When grilling, use a two-zone fire method by placing the majority of the coals on one side of the grill. This creates a cooler zone where the chicken can cook more evenly without burning.
- Use the same dish that was used for marinating to weigh down the chicken while it’s grilling. This helps achieve an even contact with the grill for a consistent cook and crispy skin.
- Rest the chicken under aluminum foil for about 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Equipment
- Charcoal grill or gas grill
- Ceramic or glass marinating dish
