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Tuscan Lemon Chicken Recipe

Tuscan Lemon Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 72 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Tuscan Lemon Chicken is a vibrant and juicy Italian classic, marinated with fresh lemon, rosemary, and garlic, then grilled to smoky perfection. The bright citrus and herbaceous notes deliver a simple yet sophisticated flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it the perfect main-course for summer gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Marinade:

  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish/grilling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally up to 4 hours for best flavor.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat an outdoor grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). Optionally, grill lemon slices alongside for garnish.
  5. Rest and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with grilled lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary, if desired.

Notes

  • For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken can also be used; adjust grill times accordingly.
  • Serve with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a crisp leafy salad.
  • This recipe can also be made on a stovetop grill pan if outdoor grilling isn’t available.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg