Tuscan Lemon Chicken Recipe

Succulent chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection for a bright, zesty Tuscan-inspired dish. Perfect with seasonal vegetables.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 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
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix the Marinade
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the olive oil with the diced shallot, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest to this aromatic blend, giving it a good stir. Sprinkle in about a teaspoon each of salt and pepper. This combination will form a delightful marinade that you'll want to infuse the chicken with all those wonderful Tuscan flavors.

2. Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
   Take a gallon-sized Ziploc bag or a large bowl and place the chicken thighs inside. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated on all sides. It's essential to let the chicken soak in these flavors for at least two hours, but if you have extra time, letting it marinate overnight in the fridge would be ideal. Give the bag a gentle massage occasionally to distribute the marinade evenly. When ready to cook, drain and discard the marinade from the chicken.

3. Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
   Ignite your grill and preheat it to a medium-high heat. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks. If you don't have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works well too. While the grill is heating, take a moment to relax or prepare any sides you might be serving.

4. Step 4: Prep the Chicken for Grilling
   Before placing the chicken on the grill, brush it with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. This helps in achieving that nice crispiness on the outside. Season the chicken lightly again with a bit of salt and pepper to enhance its flavor just before it hits the heat.

5. Step 5: Cook the Chicken
   Place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and completely cooked through. You'll want the internal temperature to hit 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying out or burning, and feel free to move pieces around if the grill has hot spots.

6. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
   Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This rest period helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Then, serve it up immediately with your favorite sides. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy your culinary trip to Tuscany!

Notes

It's easy to fall into a few common traps with Tuscan Lemon Chicken, but avoiding them is a breeze. One misstep is using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh. Freshly squeezed lemons are your best friend here—trust me, the zing is unbeatable!

Another pitfall? Skipping the marination time. Let the chicken soak up those flavors for at least two hours. It makes a world of difference.

Oh, and don’t forget to preheat your grill properly. If it’s not hot enough, you risk losing that perfect sear. Happy grilling!