Ina Garten Tuscan Lemon Chicken Recipe

Ina Garten’s Tuscan Lemon Chicken is a light, flavorful, and elegant dish that brings the bright, fresh flavors of Italy to your table. Marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, fresh rosemary, and olive oil, this grilled or roasted chicken is juicy, aromatic, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is a simple yet impressive meal that pairs beautifully with salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta.

What Is Ina Garten’s Tuscan Lemon Chicken?

This classic Italian-style chicken dish features bone-in, skin-on chicken that is marinated in a lemon-garlic herb mixture, then grilled or roasted until perfectly golden and juicy. The charred, crispy skin and citrusy marinade create a balanced, bright, and savory dish that is both healthy and satisfying.

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Tuscan Lemon Chicken

• Bright, fresh flavors – The lemon, garlic, and herbs make it incredibly refreshing.
• Juicy, tender meat – Marinating ensures deep flavor and moisture.
• Healthy and wholesome – A low-carb, high-protein meal.
• Easy to make – Requires minimal ingredients and effort.
• Perfect for grilling or roasting – A versatile recipe for any season.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Tuscan Lemon Chicken

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), butterflied (or 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts/thighs)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Finishing:

• 1 additional lemon, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional for extra richness)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Tuscan Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Butterfly the chicken by cutting out the backbone and flattening it (or ask your butcher to do this).
• Pat dry with paper towels to help crisp the skin.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

• Place the chicken in a large dish or resealable bag.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 4: Cook the Chicken (Grill or Roast)

Grill Method:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Place the chicken skin-side down and grill for 15-20 minutes.
• Flip and continue grilling for another 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Oven Roasting Method:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Place the chicken in a roasting pan, skin-side up.
• Roast for 40-50 minutes, basting with melted butter in the last 10 minutes.
• Check that the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C) before removing.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the chicken before serving.
• Serve warm with roasted vegetables, salad, or grilled bread.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Tuscan Lemon Chicken?

• Garlic-roasted potatoes – A crispy, hearty side.
• Grilled asparagus or zucchini – A fresh, healthy pairing.
• Light pasta with olive oil and Parmesan – Complements the lemony flavors.
• Arugula salad with balsamic dressing – A perfect contrast to the juicy chicken.
• Crusty Italian bread – Great for soaking up the flavorful juices.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Tuscan Lemon Chicken

• Marinate for at least 2 hours – Overnight gives the best flavor.
• Butterfly the chicken – Ensures even cooking and a crispy skin.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing – Retains its juiciness.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest – Enhances the citrusy flavor.
• Grill for a smoky taste – Adds an extra layer of depth.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Tuscan Lemon Chicken

• Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
• Use boneless chicken – Adjust cooking time for chicken breasts or thighs.
• Add white wine to the marinade – Enhances the depth of flavor.
• Try with fresh basil – Gives a slightly sweet, aromatic twist.
• Top with shaved Parmesan – Adds a rich, nutty element.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Tuscan Lemon Chicken

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months – Store in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to maintain juiciness.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Tuscan Lemon Chicken

• Oven method: Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Stovetop method: Sauté in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth.
• Microwave method: Heat in 30-second intervals, covered, to retain moisture.

Nutritional Value (per Serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: ~40g
• Carbohydrates: ~4g
• Fat: ~18g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sodium: ~600mg

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes! Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs work well. Reduce cooking time to about 30-35 minutes in the oven.

What’s the best way to get crispy skin on grilled chicken?

Start the chicken skin-side down on the grill over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes before flipping. This helps render the fat and crisp the skin.

How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight, then grill or roast when ready to serve. Leftovers taste great the next day!

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Tuscan Lemon Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the bright, zesty taste of Tuscany to your kitchen. Whether grilled for a smoky charred flavor or roasted for tender, juicy meat, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Try it today and enjoy classic Italian flavors with minimal effort!

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