Zesty Tuscan Lemon Chicken Recipe – Barefoot Contessa’s Magic

Succulent chicken takes on a Mediterranean twist with this Tuscan lemon chicken recipe that bursts with vibrant flavors.

Ina Garten’s style shines through every juicy bite of this delectable dish.

The bright, zesty notes dance across your palate, creating a symphony of taste that transports you straight to the rolling hills of Italy.

Garlic, herbs, and fresh lemon infuse the meat with an irresistible aroma that promises a delightful meal.

Each ingredient works harmoniously to create a simple yet elegant dinner that feels both rustic and refined.

The magic happens when you marinate the chicken, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply and create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Get ready to turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for the Zesty Barefoot Contessa Tuscan Lemon Chicken

• Chicken: Choose organic, free-range chicken for richer flavor and better texture. Flattening ensures even cooking and maximum marinade absorption.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth, rich base for infusing flavors and keeping chicken moist. Select extra virgin for authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus component that tenderizes meat and adds zesty, refreshing tang. Use fresh lemons for maximum flavor intensity.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that deepens overall taste profile. Choose firm, plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Rosemary: Earthy herb that complements chicken's natural flavor. Fresh sprigs offer more vibrant taste than dried versions.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and enhances other marinade ingredients. Freshly ground provides more robust flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture. Helps create golden, crispy exterior when grilling.

• Lemon Halves: Grilling caramelizes natural sugars, creating smoky-sweet garnish. Serves as both decorative and flavor-enhancing element.

Tools That Make Barefoot Contessa Tuscan Lemon Chicken Easy

• Ceramic or glass dish: Perfect for marinating chicken with all those zesty ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for getting the olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning amounts just right.
• Cutting board: Needed for zesting lemons, mincing garlic, and preparing chicken.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise cutting and preparing ingredients.
• Grill (charcoal or gas): Main cooking equipment for achieving that delicious grilled flavor.
• Dish or weight: Used to press down chicken while grilling for even cooking.
• Aluminium foil: Helps rest the chicken and keep it warm after grilling.
• Tongs: Great for safely handling and flipping chicken on the grill.

Barefoot Contessa Tuscan Lemon Chicken – Step-by-Step Instructions

• Chicken Preparation

Flatten the chicken and generously season with salt on both sides, ensuring even coverage and rich flavor.

• Flavor Infusion

Create a vibrant marinade by blending olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and fragrant rosemary. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it soak in the Mediterranean-inspired mixture for several hours in the refrigerator.

• Grill Setup

Prepare the grill with two temperature zones – a hot side for searing and a cooler side for gentle cooking. This technique ensures perfectly cooked chicken with beautiful caramelization.

• Grilling Technique

Place the chicken skin-side up on the cooler grill section, using a heavy weight to enhance contact and promote even cooking. Grill until golden brown, then flip and repeat. During the final minutes, add lemon halves to the grill for a smoky, citrusy finish.

• Serving

Allow the chicken to rest, which helps retain its juices. Slice into quarters, sprinkle with a touch of salt, and serve alongside the charred lemon halves for a stunning, rustic presentation.

Brighten It Up: Tips for Barefoot Contessa Tuscan Lemon Chicken

• Use a meat mallet or heavy skillet to evenly pound chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness for consistent cooking and tender results.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil instead of rosemary to create unique flavor profiles matching your taste preferences.
• When outdoor grilling isn't possible, roast the marinated chicken in a 425°F oven on a sheet pan for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through for crispy skin.
• Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a quick basting sauce or drizzle over finished dish for extra zesty flavor without cross-contamination risks.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu or thick sliced portobello mushrooms, adjusting cooking time and using the same delicious lemon-herb marinade for a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Barefoot Contessa Tuscan Lemon Chicken

• Serve with Zesty Lemon Companions: Squeeze the grilled lemon halves over the chicken to add a bright, tangy flavor burst that enhances the herb-infused meat.
• Pair with Mediterranean Sides: Create a complete meal by serving alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or a crisp Greek salad that complements the chicken's lemony marinade.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or parsley over the chicken just before serving to add a vibrant green touch and extra layer of aromatic freshness.
• Present on Rustic Platter: Arrange the golden-brown chicken quarters on a wooden cutting board or rustic platter to showcase the beautiful grill marks and enticing golden color.

Storing & Planning for Barefoot Contessa Tuscan Lemon Chicken

• Prepare in Advance: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours before grilling to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat for a more delicious meal.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the coldest part of the refrigerator, keeping it away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Safeguard Leftovers: Wrap grilled chicken tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven at 350°F to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Slice cooled chicken and place in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a quick and convenient meal option.

Zesty Barefoot Contessa Tuscan Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic Tuscan Lemon Chicken delivers Mediterranean warmth with herb-infused simplicity. Succulent roasted chicken marries zesty lemon and fragrant rosemary, inviting home cooks to savor Italy’s culinary essence.

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Ingredients

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• 1 whole chicken (1.6 kg / 3.5 lbs), flattened
• 2 tsps lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• 1 tbsp minced fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) good olive oil
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 lemon, halved
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Butterfly and flatten chicken, seasoning both sides with kosher salt for uniform flavor distribution.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and black pepper in a non-reactive container to develop a vibrant flavor profile.
3. Marinating Process: Completely submerge chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 4-8 hours, periodically rotating to ensure comprehensive flavor infusion.
4. Grill Setup: Establish dual-zone heating on the grill – one high-heat section and one cooler indirect heat area for controlled cooking.
5. Initial Grilling: Place chicken on the cooler grill section, skin-side up, using a cast-iron skillet or foil-wrapped brick to apply gentle pressure for even cooking and crisp skin development.
6. Cooking Technique: Grill for 12-15 minutes per side, monitoring color and using weight to ensure consistent heat distribution. During the final stage, add lemon halves cut-side down to caramelize.
7. Final Verification: Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes under a loose foil tent to retain moisture.
8. Serving: Slice chicken into quarter portions, garnish with a final salt sprinkle, and accompany with grilled lemon halves for a zesty finishing touch.

Notes

Marinating Magic: Overnight soaking allows deep flavor penetration, transforming ordinary chicken into a zesty Tuscan delicacy with intense lemony and herbal notes.

Temperature Control Technique: Creating dual heat zones ensures perfectly crispy exterior while maintaining juicy, tender interior without burning the delicate chicken skin.

Weighted Grilling Hack: Using a heavy cast-iron skillet or foil-wrapped brick guarantees uniform browning, crisp skin, and even heat distribution for restaurant-quality results.

Lemon Caramelization Trick: Grilling lemon halves cut-side down releases natural sugars, creating a sweet-tangy garnish that enhances the chicken’s overall flavor profile and adds visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg