Barefoot Contessa’s Zingy Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful

Summers call for sizzling grilled dishes that dance with bright, zesty flavors, and this Barefoot Contessa grilled lemon chicken recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Ina Garten’s legendary approach turns a simple chicken into a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Fragrant herbs and tangy citrus create a marinade that infuses each tender bite with incredible depth.

The chicken emerges from the grill with a golden, caramelized exterior that promises juicy, succulent meat inside.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve this vibrant dish alongside a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dining experience that celebrates summer’s delicious simplicity.

One bite and you’ll understand why this recipe has become a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 440 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything You Need for Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken

• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus punch that tenderizes and adds zesty freshness to the chicken, selecting fresh lemons ensures the most vibrant flavor.
• Olive Oil: Silky base that helps distribute marinade evenly and creates a beautiful golden exterior when grilling, choose extra virgin for the richest taste.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that helps break down protein and intensify overall taste, use sea salt for cleaner mineral notes.
• Black Pepper: Adds warmth and subtle heat, freshly ground peppercorns deliver the most robust spiciness.
• Thyme: Fragrant herb that introduces earthy, slightly minty undertones, selecting fresh thyme sprigs provides the most aromatic experience.

• Chicken Breasts: Primary protein that absorbs marinade beautifully, selecting organic or free-range ensures more tender and flavorful meat.

• Wooden Skewers: Convenient serving tool that makes presentation elegant and eating easier, soak in water beforehand to prevent burning during handling.

Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken – Tools to Use

• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Nonreactive Bowl: Large mixing bowl to marinate chicken without chemical reactions.
• Charcoal Grill: Key tool for achieving smoky, grilled flavor and golden-brown chicken.
• Wooden Skewers: Perfect for presenting and serving sliced chicken pieces.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing chicken diagonally.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice chicken into even 1.5cm thick pieces.

Grill Guide: How to Make Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken

Zesty Lemon Chicken Delight

• Flavor Fusion Creating a tangy marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience. Combine fresh lemon juice, aromatic olive oil, fragrant herbs, and seasonings in a mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture becomes a harmonious blend of bright and bold flavors.
• Chicken Transformation Submerge chicken pieces into the vibrant marinade, ensuring each surface is lovingly coated. Let the chicken rest in the refrigerator, allowing the citrusy essence to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat for several hours or overnight.
• Grilling Magic Bringing the chicken to life over dancing flames, grill until the exterior develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust and the inside reaches perfect doneness. The sizzling sounds and enticing aroma will signal a meal that promises pure deliciousness.
• Serving Elegance After letting the chicken rest momentarily, slice into beautiful diagonal pieces that showcase the succulent interior. Arrange artfully on a platter, ready to be the star of your dining experience.

Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken – Tangy Tips & Ideas

• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating to ensure uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Swap thyme for rosemary, oregano, or a Mediterranean herb mix to create unique flavor profiles that complement the lemon marinade.
• When outdoor grilling isn't possible, use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven, maintaining the same cooking time and temperature for perfect results.
• Prepare the marinade and chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to intensify and simplifying meal preparation.
• Transform this grilled chicken into a complete meal by pairing with Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, or serving over couscous for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Plating the Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken

• Serve with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Toss crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese with a light olive oil dressing to complement the zesty lemon chicken.
• Pair with Herbed Couscous: Create a fluffy bed of couscous mixed with chopped parsley, mint, and a touch of lemon zest to enhance the bright flavors of the grilled chicken.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Platter: Arrange the skewered chicken slices on a large wooden board, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a stunning presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
• Enjoy as Versatile Meal Prep: Pack the cooled chicken skewers in lunch containers with a side of tzatziki sauce for a delicious, protein-packed meal that tastes great cold or reheated.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips for Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 days before grilling. Keep the chicken in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap grilled chicken slices in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring optimal taste and texture when reheated.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, use the microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Pack for Lunch: Slice cooled chicken and pack in meal prep containers with fresh salad or grain sides. Keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for quick work or school lunches.

Tangy Barefoot Contessa Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s grilled lemon chicken delivers Mediterranean flavors with zesty marinade and herb-infused complexity. Delicious aromas and tender meat promise a memorable meal for family gatherings or weekend entertaining.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken breasts, boneless, halved and skinless
• 6 fl oz (180 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed (4 lemons)
• 6 fl oz (180 ml) olive oil, good quality
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tbsp thyme leaves, fresh minced (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Fusion: Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme in a medium bowl until smoothly combined.
2. Marination Process: Submerge chicken breasts completely in the mixture within a nonreactive container, ensuring thorough coverage. Refrigerate for 6-8 hours, allowing deep flavor infusion.
3. Grill Preparation: Heat charcoal to medium-high temperature around 375-400°F. Clean and lightly oil grates to prevent sticking and create perfect sear marks.
4. Grilling Technique: Position marinated chicken at a 45-degree angle on the grill. Cook 10-12 minutes per side, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior and consistent internal cooking.
5. Doneness Verification: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest section. Remove from heat and let rest 3-5 minutes for juice redistribution.
6. Serving Presentation: Slice chicken breasts diagonally into uniform pieces. Thread slices onto pre-soaked wooden skewers for an elegant and convenient serving style.

Notes

• Marinate Mindfully: Allow chicken to soak in the zesty lemon marinade for at least 6 hours to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat completely.
• Grill with Precision: Maintain medium-high heat around 375-400°F and use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying out the meat.
• Prevent Sticking: Clean and lightly oil grill grates before cooking to create beautiful grill marks and ensure easy chicken removal.
• Rest and Redistribute: Let grilled chicken rest 3-5 minutes after cooking, allowing internal juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness and flavor retention.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg