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Grilled Rosemary Chicken

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This aromatic grilled rosemary chicken is a sophisticated take on a classic BBQ favourite, blending fragrant herbs with a bright citrus lift. By marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh rosemary, the meat stays incredibly tender while developing a deep, savoury crust on the grill. The addition of a light dusting of smoked paprika provides a subtle warmth that perfectly complements the charred finish of the skin.

As a high-protein option, this dish is both satisfying and lean, making it an excellent choice for a healthy weekend lunch or a summer dinner party. Resting the meat is essential to ensure a succulent result, allowing the flavours to settle before tossing with fresh lemon slices. Serve it alongside a rich, shop-bought or homemade tomato jam to balance the herbal notes with a touch of sweetness.

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Ingredients for Grilled Rosemary Chicken

  • 2 (3–4-pound) chickens, each cut into 4 pieces, backbones removed

  • 180ml olive oil, divided

  • 60ml fresh lemon juice plus 1 lemon

  • 12 rosemary sprigs, divided

  • 10 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

  • Sal kosher

  • pimenta preta moída na hora

  • 1 large pinch smoked paprika

  • Tomato Jam

How to make Grilled Rosemary Chicken

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Arrange chicken in a glass baking dish. Drizzle with 1/2 cup oil and lemon juice. Coarsely chop leaves from 10 rosemary sprigs. Toss chopped rosemary and garlic with chicken to coat; season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cover; chill for 3 hours or overnight.

Build a medium fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to medium-high. Let chicken come to room temperature. Brush off marinade; grill chicken, turning occasionally, until browned and almost cooked through, about 20-22 minutes for legs and thighs, 16-18 minutes for breasts. Pour remaining 60ml oil into a small bowl. Dip 2 rosemary sprigs in oil; occasionally baste chicken with sprigs until cooked through, about 5 more minutes.

Let chicken rest for 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Cut lemon in half lengthwise, then cut thinly crosswise into half-moons. Add to chicken with any leftover basting oil; toss to coat. Serve chicken on a platter with Tomato Jam alongside.

Aviso Legal

Embora todos os esforços tenham sido feitos para garantir que as informações sejam precisas e atualizadas, as necessidades individuais podem variar e os requisitos dietéticos podem diferir com base nas condições de saúde pessoais. Sempre verifique os rótulos dos alimentos e as informações sobre alérgenos antes de preparar ou consumir qualquer receita. Se você tiver preocupações específicas de saúde, alergias, intolerâncias ou estiver seguindo uma dieta prescrita por um médico, procure orientação do seu médico, farmacêutico ou de um nutricionista registrado antes de fazer mudanças significativas na sua dieta ou estilo de vida.

Article history

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

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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