Barbecue Lemon Chicken
Juicy, tangy lemon chicken grilled to perfection with a flavorful marinade, ideal for summer barbecues and entertaining guests who love bright, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together lemon juice, peanut oil, salt, pepper, garlic salt, paprika, mustard, and sugar to create the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for several hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill to low heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and sprinkle generously with lemon pepper.
- Grill the chicken over low heat, turning often to prevent burning, until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. If you don’t have peanut oil, canola or olive oil can work as substitutes. To enhance the marinade, you could add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade for optimal taste, similar to techniques used in other chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecue lemon chicken with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Dawn'S Potato Chowder for a comforting combination. For a complete dinner, consider serving with rice or a quinoa salad to soak up the delicious marinade.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. You can also microwave it, covered, for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Lemon Chicken contains roughly 238 calories, with 9g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1780mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but you will need to adjust the grilling time. Bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook through, so monitor the internal temperature closely to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
What can I do if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
If fresh lemon juice is unavailable, bottled lemon juice can serve as a substitute, though fresh juice offers a brighter flavor. For a different twist, try using lime juice, which adds a zesty kick to the marinade.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your barbecue lemon chicken, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the marinade. Alternatively, serve with a spicy dipping sauce or hot sauce on the side to give diners the option to adjust the heat to their taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).