Lemon-Garlic Chicken Barbecue
Juicy lemon-garlic chicken marinated and grilled to perfection, offering bright citrus and savory flavors. Ideal for summer barbecues and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a blender, add salad oil, lemon juice, salt, dried oregano, garlic cloves, and ground pepper.
- Blend until smooth.
- Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour marinade over the chicken.
- Marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Drain chicken and reserve marinade for basting.
- Prepare charcoals for barbecuing.
- Grill over medium coals until tender, brushing occasionally with marinade.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade. If you don’t have salad oil, olive oil works well too. For a slightly spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 8 hours, but longer is better for maximum flavor absorption.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon-Garlic Chicken Barbecue with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Classic Chicken And Grape Salad for a delightful contrast. Consider serving with rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful juices, and a glass of lemonade can complement the dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it briefly, but this may result in less crispy skin.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Garlic Chicken Barbecue contains roughly 292 calories, with 12g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (100% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and calcium (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1387mg per serving (60% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but reduce the grilling time as boneless pieces cook faster. Make sure to marinate them thoroughly to ensure they stay moist and flavorful during cooking.
What can I do with leftover marinade?
It's best not to reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken due to food safety concerns. However, you can reserve some before adding the chicken and use it for basting during grilling, or reduce it in a saucepan to create a flavorful sauce.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked. Basting with the reserved marinade halfway through can enhance the flavor.
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).