Lemon Pepper Mesquite Grilled Chicken Southwest Food

LEMON PEPPER GRILLED CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and lemon pepper seasoning.
• Place chicken into a resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over chicken. Seal bag, and refrigerate chicken and marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
• Preheat grill to medium high heat. Brush grill grates with olive oil, or spray with non-stick grilling spray. Place chicken over indirect heat. Grill chicken breasts for approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
• If unsure about doneness, use a meat thermometer to make sure internal temperature reads 165 degrees.
• Serve right away while warm.

GRILLED LEMON-PEPPER CHICKEN

Steps:

• Sprinkle chicken all over with salt and 1 1/2 tsp. pepper. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, prepare a grill for medium heat and brush grate with oil. Thinly slice lemon half into rounds. Heat butter and honey in a small saucepan until butter is melted and foaming, then remove from heat and add lemon slices.
• Grill chicken, skin side down, until skin is lightly charred and releases from grate without tearing, about 6 minutes. Turn chicken over and lightly brush with lemon butter. Cover grill and continue grilling chicken, brushing with lemon butter every 5 minutes or so, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of breast registers 150°F, 25-28 minutes.
• Just before chicken is ready, cut remaining lemon into quarters and grill, cut side down, until charred and softened, 6-8 minutes. Transfer chicken and lemons to a cutting board; let rest 10 minutes before carving chicken into pieces.
• To serve, squeeze grilled lemons over chicken and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tsp. pepper.

LEMON PEPPER MESQUITE GRILLED CHICKEN (SOUTHWEST)

Steps:

• Wash and pat dry chicken pieces, and place in plastic bag.
• Pour lemon juice and olive oil over chicken, seal, and marinate for 3 hours in the refrigerator.
• Remove from bag, discard marinate, and sprinkle liberal amounts of coarse ground black pepper and salt.
• Cook chicken on grill, using indirect heating method, or a smoker using charcoal briquettes and mesquite chunks. Whole chicken breasts will take about an hour (in a Webber). Smaller pieces will take less time.
• When done, serve immediately.

SOUTHWEST GRILLED CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first six ingredients; add chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for up to 1 hour., Drain chicken, discarding marinade in bag. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat for 4-7 minutes on each side or until juices run clear.

GRILLED LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine all ingredients except for chicken.
• Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade and set aside.
• In a large plastic freezer bag, put in chicken and marinade.
• Shake to coat and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnite.
• Remove chicken from marinade and arrange on a plate.
• Microwave the chicken for 5 minutes on high.
• Transfer chicken to grill and grill for 15 to 20 minutes over medium heat or until the juices run clear.
• As the chicken is grilling, baste with the reserved marinade.