Are you looking for a healthy and flavorful dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This half chicken grill recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, offering juicy, tender chicken with crispy skin. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a beginner cook, this recipe will guide you to grilling perfection. Get ready for a burst of summery flavors in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 2 (about 1.5 lb each) split chicken halves, bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh rosemary sprigs, lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken halves dry. This helps achieve crispy skin.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken halves in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Grilling the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Clean the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken halves skin-side down on the preheated grill. Grill for 20-25 minutes, undisturbed, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and continue grilling: Flip the chicken halves and grill for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.
- Add herbs (optional): During the last 5 minutes of grilling, add fresh rosemary sprigs to the grill near the chicken for an extra aromatic touch.
Serving:
Serve the grilled half chicken immediately with your favorite sides. Lemon wedges are a perfect complement to cut through the richness of the chicken. Consider serving it with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete and healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Give the chicken enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, grill in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust grilling time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the heat of your grill.
- Basting: For extra juicy chicken, you can baste it with the remaining marinade during the grilling process.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley.
- Citrus Twist: Use orange juice instead of lemon juice, or combine both for a vibrant flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
This easy half chicken grill recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. The delicious flavors and crispy skin will impress your family and friends. Enjoy your homemade culinary masterpiece!