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Tuscan Lemon Chicken

Featured in Family-Friendly Recipes.

Tuscan Lemon Chicken brings the flavors of Italy to your dinner table with a bright, herb-infused marinade that transforms simple chicken thighs into a memorable meal. The secret lies in the perfect blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, combined with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic and shallots. The chicken marinates for at least two hours, allowing it to absorb all the Mediterranean flavors, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. When grilled to perfection, the chicken develops a beautiful exterior while staying moist inside. This recipe showcases how a few quality ingredients and proper technique can create a restaurant-worthy dish that's actually simple to prepare at home.
Comfort Cravings Recipes
Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 20:41:11 GMT
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Tuscan Lemon Chicken | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Master this classic Italian inspired grilled chicken dish featuring bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs. Perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant entertaining.

Essential Ingredients

Marinade Base: Extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh herbs, garlic & shallot.

Key Herbs: Fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, (Can substitute dried).

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Zesty Tuscan Garlic Chicken | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Perfect Preparation

Marinade Steps:
Combine oil and aromatics. Mix in fresh herbs. Add citrus elements. Season properly. Blend thoroughly
Chicken Preparation:
Use uniform pieces. Pat dry before marinade. Turn occasionally. Drain before cooking. Rest after grilling
Grilling Guide:
Medium high heat. Oil grates well. Don't overcrowd. Turn as needed. Check temperature

Serving Suggestions

  • Spring mix salad
  • Crusty bread
  • Roasted vegetables
  • White wine pairing
  • Fresh lemon wedges

Remember: Success lies in proper marination time and careful grilling technique for juicy, flavorful results.

Seasonal Adaptations & Variations

Summer Version: Use fresh herbs, grill outdoors, add grilled lemons, serve with light sides, include fresh garnishes.

Winter Version: Use dried herbs, indoor grill pan, oven finishing option, heartier sides, warming accompaniments.

Perfect Side Dishes

Light Options: Arugula salad, grilled vegetables, quinoa pilaf, roasted asparagus, lemon orzo.

Hearty Sides: Roasted potatoes, Mediterranean rice, grilled polenta, Tuscan beans, crusty focaccia.

Troubleshooting Guide

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Herb-Infused Lemon Tuscan Chicken | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

If Chicken Is Dry: Check cooking time, verify temperature, don't overcook, use meat thermometer, rest properly.

If Lacking Flavor: Increase marination time, check herb freshness, add more lemon, adjust seasoning, use quality olive oil.

Leftover Ideas

  • Chicken salad
  • Pasta dishes
  • Grain bowls
  • Sandwiches
  • Wrap fillings

Make Ahead Tips

  • Prep marinade early
  • Store herbs properly
  • Portion chicken
  • Label containers
  • Plan serving time

This versatile chicken dish works beautifully in any season and can be adapted to various serving styles. The key is maintaining the balance of citrus, herbs, and proper cooking technique.

Success comes from quality ingredients and attention to timing, whether grilling outdoors or cooking inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but adjust grilling time accordingly as they cook faster than thighs. Be careful not to overcook them to maintain juiciness.
→ What can I use if I don't have fresh herbs?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use one-third the amount called for fresh herbs when using dried.
→ Can I cook this chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can finish under the broiler for extra color.
→ How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate for 2 hours minimum up to overnight. Don't exceed 24 hours as the acid in the lemon can start to break down the meat texture.
→ What sides go well with this chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, pasta, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. It's versatile enough to go with many side dishes.

Tuscan Lemon Chicken

This Tuscan Lemon Chicken features tender chicken thighs marinated in fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil, then grilled to juicy perfection.

Prep Time
135 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
155 Minutes

Category: Family Meals

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Marinade

01 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
02 1 shallot, diced
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
05 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
06 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
07 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 1 tablespoon lemon zest
09 1 teaspoon kosher salt
10 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ For Cooking

11 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
12 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
13 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, shallot, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.

Step 02

Place chicken in a Ziploc bag with marinade mixture. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.

Step 03

Drain chicken from marinade. Brush with remaining tablespoon olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper.

Step 04

Cook on preheated medium-high heat grill, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 10 minutes).

Step 05

Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  1. Can be marinated overnight for best results
  2. Use fresh herbs for optimal flavor
  3. Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill
  • Gallon size Ziploc bag
  • Meat thermometer
  • Medium mixing bowl