This Ina Garten Tuscan Lemon Chicken is juicy and flavorful, which includes fresh lemon juice and rosemary. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 50 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Tuscan Lemon Chicken Ingredients
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 Finishing:
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional)

How To Make Ina Garten Tuscan Lemon Chicken
- Prepare the chicken: Butterfly the chicken by removing the backbone and flattening it, or use chicken breasts/thighs. Pat dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a large dish or resealable bag. Pour marinade over and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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Grill or roast the chicken:
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Grill Method:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken skin-side down for 15–20 minutes.
- Flip and grill another 20–25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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Oven Roasting Method:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place chicken skin-side up in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 40–50 minutes, basting with melted butter in the last 10 minutes.
- Check for 165°F internal temp. Rest for 10 minutes before carving.
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Grill Method:
- Serve and enjoy: Squeeze lemon wedges over the top and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Recipe Tips
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What does butterflying a chicken mean?
It means removing the backbone so the chicken can lie flat, which helps it cook more evenly. -
How long can I marinate the chicken?
At least 2 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor. -
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cook time to avoid overcooking. -
What if I don’t have a grill?
Use the oven roasting method—it turns out just as delicious.
What To Serve With Tuscan Lemon Chicken
This zesty chicken pairs well with light, fresh sides:
- Roasted potatoes or vegetables
- Arugula salad with vinaigrette
- Grilled asparagus
- Couscous or orzo pasta
- Rustic Italian bread

How To Store Tuscan Lemon Chicken
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tuscan Lemon Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 725mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 79mg
- Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use lemon juice concentrate instead of fresh lemon?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but you can use concentrate in a pinch.
Why rest the chicken after cooking?
Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
Can I roast with vegetables?
Yes, add potatoes or carrots around the chicken for a one-pan meal.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Baked Cod With Ritz Crackers Recipe
- Ina Garten Scallops Provençal Recipe
- Ina Garten Roast Chicken With Croutons Recipe
Ina Garten Tuscan Lemon Chicken Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes40
minutes200
kcalThis Tuscan-style lemon chicken is marinated with lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled or roasted to juicy, golden perfection.
Ingredients
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1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs), butterflied
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¼ cup olive oil
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¼ cup lemon juice
-
2 tbsp lemon zest
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp rosemary, chopped
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1 tbsp thyme leaves
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1 tsp kosher salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 lemon (for wedges)
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2 tbsp melted butter (optional)
Directions
- Butterfly chicken and pat dry.
- Whisk marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Grill or roast as directed.
- Rest for 10 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges.
