Description
This Tuscan Lemon Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated boneless skinless chicken thighs infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and bright lemon flavors. Grilled to perfection, this dish offers a vibrant and aromatic meal perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner. The marinade tenderizes the chicken, providing a flavorful and moist result that highlights classic Tuscan ingredients like rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with the diced shallot, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large gallon-size Ziploc bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Turn the bag occasionally to ensure even marinating. When ready to cook, drain the chicken from the marinade.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking. This ensures a great sear and proper cooking temperature for the chicken.
- Season and Oil the Chicken: Brush the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing the flavors before grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), approximately 10 minutes total. Grill until the chicken develops a nice char and remains juicy inside.
- Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and serve immediately. Enjoy the vibrant and herb-infused Tuscan lemon chicken as a main dish with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors and create a more tender texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor but you can substitute with chicken breasts if desired, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For indoor cooking, consider using a grill pan or broiler to mimic the grilling effect.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian