This super easy grilled lemon chicken with rosemary is perfect for your next backyard bbq. The chicken is tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.
In the past, lemon chicken has never really turned my crank. Perhaps it is because each time I tried it, the chicken was dry and the tart lemon juice just seemed to add insult to injury, causing me to pucker my lips like an old man who lost his dentures. However, with six cups of fresh Meyer lemon juice to play with, it seemed prudent to set to work on shattering my preconceptions of lemon chicken. After all, there are only so many Lemon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists and margaritas that one gal can consume - without gaining fifty pounds and engaging in inappropriate table dances, that is.
When considering ways to get around the dryness issue, chicken thighs came to mind as a likely solution. Of course, you can still use boneless, skinless breasts in this recipe if you are someone that is adept at judging when chicken breasts are cooked through, but not leeched of moisture. If this is not your forte, then I suggest boneless, skinless chicken thighs which are a considerably more forgiving part of the bird.
The lemon vinaigrette in this recipe is infused with fresh rosemary and garlic, and mixed with a touch of honey. While this chicken is best served hot, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature, which makes it the ideal meal for a busy weeknight. When the chicken comes off the grill, toss it in the vinaigrette and allow the meat to absorb some of the fresh flavors. If you plan to eat it later, cover and refrigerate the chicken. Bring the chicken and vinaigrette to room temperature and stir before serving over rice, quinoa or orzo.
The recipe:
In a large bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, rosemary, honey, garlic, salt and pepper.
While whisking, slowly pour in olive oil until combined.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Toss chicken thighs in canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
Transfer chicken to bowl with lemon vinaigrette and toss until chicken is coated.
Serve, drizzling extra vinaigrette over chicken, to taste.
Other grilled chicken recipes:
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
Chicken Kebabs with Pomegranate-Spice Marinade
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Tamarind & Orange Glaze
Grilled Lemon Chicken with Rosemary
Ingredients
The Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
The Chicken:
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- pinch kosher salt
- pinch freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
The Vinaigrette:
- In a large bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, rosemary, honey, garlic, salt and pepper. While whisking, slowly pour in olive oil until combined.
The Chicken:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss chicken thighs in canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to bowl with lemon vinaigrette and toss until chicken is coated. Serve, drizzling extra vinaigrette over chicken, to taste.
Nutrition
Lori @ RecipeGirl
Simply gorgeous chicken, my dear! Love a simple marinade that turns out a wonderfully moist end product!
Maria
Lemon and rosemary are the perfect pair!
Barbara | Creative Culinary
Lemon, chicken and rosemary are so classic...so that twist with honey...perfect. I will use chicken breasts but have found for me, the secret to not overdoing them is to flatten them. Besides, that pounding is so therapeutic!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Great idea, Barb. And you're right - there's nothing like a little hammering to relieve daily frustrations.
Belinda @zomppa
I'm definitely a chicken thigh fan...beautiful recipe!
Maria @ Scandifoodie
This is perfect! I have a big bag of lemons and a fat bunch of rosemary to use up!
Michelle
Dara this looks so tasty and it's going to the meal plan for next week.Thank you.Have to track down the meyer lemons..
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Michelle, you can substitute regular lemon for Meyer lemons. Just add a touch more honey to balance the extra tartness. Taste as you add.
Rachel
Oh yum! I absolutely love rosemary... and chicken.. and lemons! Thanks for sharing!
The Food Hunter
One of my favorite flavor combinations
The Café Sucré Farine
Looks so yummy! Love your pics and all the great instruction!
Carolyn
I love thighs much more than breasts. Definitely the way to go when dryness is an issue. I find a lot of lemon chicken kind of bitter, but I bet using Meyer lemons makes a real difference!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Carolyn. We use chicken thighs a lot. They're so much moister and cook so quickly.
sippitysup
Lemon, chicken and rosemary. A classic... welcome aboard! GREG
Sasha
Delicious sounding recipe - I love lemon chicken, and meyer lemon sounds even better!
Tricia B
I'm still searching for (and asking for) Meyer lemons! If I ever find them we will be eating lemon everything for a while. Lovely chicken - have a great weekend.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
You can substitute regular lemons for the Meyer lemons in this recipe. Just add a touch more honey, to taste.
Barbara Bakes
Love lemon and rosemary together. I'm sure it's fabulous.
purabi naha
This recipe looks delish!! You have a lovely collection of recipes. Please visit http://cosmopolitancurrymania.blogspot.com for a shower of AWARDS for you!
Pretend Chef
This looks so delicious. That is a great flavor combo. I can't wait to try this the next time we grill out. Yummy!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
what a flavorful way to grill chicken! lemon and rosemary are so fantastic together, this chicken is just rolling in flavor.
Celeste Jenkins
This looks so delicious! I love lemon and rosemary together! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Claire @ Claire K Creations
Yum. Lemon chicken was one of my first recipes. Yours looks much better though!
Katrina
Very yummy recipe. Lemon makes everything wonderful.