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
Printable Recipe
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
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
fantastic! Bookmarked as well
Michele
This recipe looks great! I'm going to make it for dinner tonight, and I was looking at the recipe to make sure I have everything. How much olive oil did you whisk into the lemon juice mixture? I didn't see an amount listed. Thanks!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Ack! I'm sorry that I left that out. It should be 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil. I hope you enjoy it!
Lea Ann
I'm loving this recipe. Another bookmarked. I've somewhat given up on boneless skinless chicken breast with a 90% dry result and have just relied on bone in/skin on cooking. Just tuck the seasonings under the skin. I'm a much happier cook this way. 🙂 But these chicken thighs are a different story. Thanks for the recipe.
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels
Wow this chicken looks amazing. The vinaigrette sounds so flavorful and I love how there's honey in it. I can't wait to try this recipe. I'm always looking for new chicken recipes. 🙂
Yuri
Love this vinaigrette, Dara 🙂 Honey, lemon juice and rosemary... Heaven!
Frank
Lemon and rosemary make a natural combination. And I'm with you with using thighs: not just moister but a lot tastier than breast, too!
Drick
do so like the idea of a vinaigrette served on the chicken, and it does look moist ... white meat is the hardest to keep from drying out and grilling boneless dark sounds I know is more flavorful and juicy... glad you are grilling outside, we are closing down our American summer down here as we call it getting ready for the Gulf summer where humid nights take over and grilling becomes less pleasurable ....
marla
Dara, this chicken certainly does look like it has the perfect texture! All that lemon juice is the best tenderizer that's for sure 🙂
Angie
Looks great, I love lemon anything, and this looks especially good.
Katrina
Mmm so tasty looking!
Deborah
I am definitely a chicken thigh fan, and this sounds wonderful!
Lindsey@Lindselicious
This marinade looks so delicious, I love the lemon and rosemary combination.
Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet }
What a perfect Spring combination. Both fresh and inviting. A perfectly delish dish. 🙂
claudia lamascolo
What a mouth watering photo~ I love this kind of chicken~
Wenderly
What a perfect springtime grilling recipe! Love that lemon rosemary vinaigrette!
Katrina
Sounds good to me!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme
Lemon, rosemary and garlic is one of my all-time favorite flavor combinations. Love the bit of honey in there, too. I can just imagine how summery this recipe tastes! Add a salad and bread and I'm ready for dinner.
Soma
light refreshing bursting with flavors!
Ana Helena Campbell
I absolutely love lemon and rosemary! Thanks for sharing another great recipe. Enjoy your weekend. Ana
Lisa {With Style and Grace}
We do something similar to this & is our favorite! I look forward to trying this recipe - I already know my husband will love it! Have a wonderful weekend ~L