Tuscan Lemon Chicken

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Roasting a chicken is a great, economical protein to cook for a big dinner party. And, this chicken could not be more yummy.

Tart lemon paired with sweet rosemary, and grilled to crispy perfection.

This also makes wonderful chicken salad the next day – just removed the skin, chop in to bite sized chunks and add a combo of mayo, greek yogurt, and a myriad of fresh herbs. Delish!

Tuscan Lemon Chicken

• 1 (3 1/2-pound) chicken, flattened
• Kosher salt
• 1/3 cup good olive oil
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, halved

Directions

Sprinkle the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt on each side. Combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and 2 teaspoons pepper in a small measuring cup. Place the chicken in a ceramic or glass dish just large enough to hold it flat. Pour the lemon marinade over the chicken, turning it in the dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Turn the chicken 2 or 3 times while marinating.

When ready to grill, prepare a hot charcoal fire on 1 side of a grill (or turn a gas grill on low heat). Spread 1/4 of the coals across the other side of the grill. Place the chicken on the cooler side, skin side up, and weigh it down with the dish you used for marinating. (I liked to use a cast iron skillet + a couple bricks, so it REALLY weighs it down.) Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until the underside is golden brown. Turn the chicken skin side down, weight again with the dish, and cook for another 12 to 15 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Place the lemon halves on the cool side of the grill, cut side down for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Remove the chicken to a plate or cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Cut in quarters, sprinkle with salt, and serve with the grilled lemon halves.

Make this chicken this week. It’s easy and quick! Besides waiting for the bird to marinate, you have most of your dinner ready in half an hour. Add a side of roasted broccoli and you have a great meal. Here are a few side dish ideas for you, to complete your dinner party. Of course, these are all included in my eBook’s recipe section!

Roasted Broccoli
Roasted Herbed Potatoes
Angel Hair Pasta with Italian Herbs & Parmesan Cheese

Now, if you are just joining us, go catch up!

Day One: 31 Days to Successful Entertaining
Day Two: 12 Items Every Hostess Needs
Day Three: How to Organize Your Stuff Efficiently
Day Four: 20 No Cook Appetizers, FREE PRINTABLE
Day Five: How to Set a Buffet Table

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