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Grilled Lemon Chicken

This zesty grilled lemon chicken is a fantastic addition to any summer barbecue, offering a bright and punchy flavour profile that relies on fresh citrus rather than sugary sauces. By marinating the chicken in a blend of lemon juice, zest, and savoury seasonings, the meat stays incredibly succulent while developing a beautifully charred skin on the grill. It is a light yet satisfying dish that highlights how simple, fresh ingredients can create a truly standout main course.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on lean protein and heart-healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice for health-conscious cooks. The indirect grilling method ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly through without burning, resulting in a reliable family favourite. Serve these tender pieces alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted Mediterranean vegetables for a balanced and wholesome homemade meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Chicken

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh lemon zest

  • 120ml fresh lemon juice

  • 120ml vegetable oil

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tablespoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoons white pepper

  • 1 (3 1/2-lb) chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces

How to make Grilled Lemon Chicken

Combine all ingredients except chicken in a blender and blend until emulsified.

Put chicken pieces in a nonreactive bowl or dish or a large sealable plastic bag. Add marinade and turn chicken once or twice to coat. Marinate, covered and chilled, at least 8 hours. Bring chicken to room temperature 30 minutes before grilling and discard marinade.

Open vents on bottom of grill and on lid. Light a large chimney starter of charcoal (80 to 100 briquettes). Leaving about one quarter of grill free of charcoal, bank lit charcoal across rest of grill so that coals are about 3 times higher on opposite side.

When charcoal turns grayish white (about 15 to 20 minutes) and you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds, sear chicken on lightly oiled grill rack over coals, uncovered, turning occasionally, until browned, 4 to 8 minutes total. Move chicken to side of grill with no coals underneath and cook, covered with lid, turning occasionally, until just cooked through, about 12 minutes for wings, 18 to 20 minutes for breasts, and 20 to28 minutes for dark meat. Transfer chicken as cooked to a platter.

Preheat all burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then adjust heat to moderately high. Sear chicken on lightly oiled grill rack, uncovered, turning over once, until well browned, 4 to 8 minutes total. Turn off 1 burner (middle burner if there are 3) and arrange chicken on rack above shut-off burner. Cook, covered with lid and turning over occasionally, until just cooked through, about 12 minutes for wings, 18 to 20 minutes for breasts, and 20 to 28 minutes for dark meat. Transfer chicken as cooked to a platter.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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