4th July Lemon BBQ Grilled Chicken

Get ready to fire up the grill with this zesty and smoky 4th July Lemon BBQ Grilled Chicken! This dish is all about celebrating freedom, flavor, and good company. Tender chicken is marinated in a tangy lemon-infused BBQ sauce, then grilled to perfection for a juicy, caramelized bite every time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or a cozy family cookout, this recipe is your ticket to a memorable Independence Day feast.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Grilling Season – A must-have for your summer cookout menu.
Bursting with Bright Flavors – Lemon and BBQ come together in a mouthwatering combo.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with incredible results.
Crowd-Pleaser – Great for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
Customizable Heat – Add more spice or sweetness based on your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Lemon BBQ Marinade:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For Garnish & Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Grilled corn, coleslaw, or potato salad (optional sides)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Grater or zester
• Tongs
• Grill or grill pan
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces with paper towels.
2. Rub them with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Set aside while preparing the marinade.

Step 2: Make the Lemon BBQ Marinade
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, and minced garlic.
5. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for basting later.
6. Pour the rest over the chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl.
7. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken
8. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F).
9. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
10. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
11. Grill chicken skin-side down for 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes.
12. Use the reserved marinade to baste the chicken during the last few minutes for extra flavor and a glossy finish.
13. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve
14. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling.
15. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
16. Serve hot with your favorite sides like grilled corn, coleslaw, or potato salad.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken
Marinate Long Enough – At least 1 hour helps the flavors soak in; overnight is even better.
Use a Thermometer – Avoid guesswork and ensure your chicken is fully cooked.
Keep the Grill Clean – Prevent flare-ups and sticking by starting with a clean grill grate.
Baste Carefully – Only use reserved marinade to avoid cross-contamination.
Let it Rest – Resting allows the juices to redistribute for tender, juicy bites.

Serving Suggestions
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet and smoky flavor pairs beautifully.
Creamy Coleslaw – Adds a crunchy, tangy contrast.
Baked Beans – A classic BBQ side that’s always a hit.
Potato Salad – Creamy or mustard-based for a hearty complement.
Lemonade or Iced Tea – Refreshing sips that match the zesty chicken flavor.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Grill: Reheat on low heat until warmed through.
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes covered with foil.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, covered, to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, but adjust the cooking time to avoid drying out the leaner meat.
2. What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
   Use your favorite brand—smoky, sweet, or spicy all work well with lemon.
3. Can I bake this instead of grilling?
   Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, basting halfway through.
4. How do I make it spicier?
   Add extra chili powder or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Final Thoughts
Celebrate this 4th of July with a dish that sizzles with flavor—Lemon BBQ Grilled Chicken. It’s juicy, tangy, and smoky in every bite, making it the ultimate summer grill favorite. Whether you’re enjoying fireworks or a relaxing evening with loved ones, this dish is sure to light up your plate.

Try it out and let me know how it turned out! Share your photos and reviews, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 520mg

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