Lemon-Tarragon Grilled Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken infused with zesty lemon and aromatic tarragon offers a flavorful, herbaceous dish perfect for summer barbecues or casual dinners. The marinade ensures tender, flavorful meat that pairs well with salads, rice, or grilled vegetables, appealing to fans of bright, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place skinned chicken pieces in a shallow dish.
- Mix together light corn syrup, grated lemon rind, lemon juice, corn oil, chopped onion, dried tarragon leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces.
- Mix to coat all chicken pieces evenly.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just a few hours. If you don't have corn syrup, honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute. Adjust the tarragon to your liking; fresh tarragon will enhance the dish even more. For a unique twist, consider adding some minced garlic to the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon-Tarragon Grilled Chicken alongside a refreshing salad or grilled vegetables for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Greek Chicken or a side of couscous. A drizzle of extra lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors even more.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it on the grill for a few minutes, which helps retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Tarragon Grilled Chicken contains roughly 571 calories, with 3g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken pieces will work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may require a few additional minutes on the grill to cook through. The marinade will still infuse great flavor into the meat.
What can I use instead of tarragon?
If tarragon is unavailable, you can substitute it with dried dill or basil. While the flavor will be slightly different, these herbs can complement the lemon and chicken nicely. Fresh herbs can also be used for a more vibrant taste.
Is it necessary to skinned the chicken?
Skinning the chicken helps reduce the overall fat content and allows the marinade to penetrate the meat better. However, if you prefer a juicier result, you can leave the skin on; just be mindful of the cooking time and temperature.
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).