Tuscan Lemon Chicken
A delicious and nourishing chicken dish bursting with zesty flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole whole chicken (3-4 pounds), butterflied Alternatively, use 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts/thighs
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Adds richness and helps marinade stick
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Brightens the dish with acidity
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest Captures essential oils for intense lemon flavor
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth and umami notes
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped Or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves Adds an herbal layer
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Essential for seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a subtle bite
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, for heat
- 1 additional lemon, cut into wedges For serving
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted Optional for extra richness
Instructions
Preparation
- Butterfly the chicken: Cut out the backbone and flatten the chicken.
- Pat dry with paper towels to achieve crispiness.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the chicken in a large dish or resealable bag for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Cooking
- Grill the chicken skin-side down for about 15-20 minutes until charred and golden.
- Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- For roasting, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and roast for 40-50 minutes, basting with melted butter in the last 10 minutes.
- Ensure the temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before removing from the oven. Let it rest for another 10 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick.
Notes
Marinating overnight increases flavor and tenderness. Use paper towels to remove moisture for crispy skin.