Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken: A Healthy, Zesty, and Effortlessly Delicious Clean-Eating Recipe
This clean-eating Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken recipe isn’t just easy to make and incredibly healthy; it’s a vibrant explosion of fresh lemony flavor and aromatic rosemary that will tantalize your taste buds! This post is sponsored by Foster Farms®, and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
In our household, chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a staple. As a versatile and lean protein source, it’s my absolute go-to for countless dinner ideas. From savory chicken teriyaki to juicy chicken burgers and comforting chicken casseroles, the possibilities are endless. Given its pivotal role in my family’s nutrition, ensuring I purchase high-quality, fresh chicken is paramount. We believe that the foundation of any delicious and healthy meal begins with exceptional ingredients, and chicken is no exception.
When it comes to selecting the best poultry, Foster Farms consistently stands out as my top choice. I appreciate how readily available their products are at virtually every supermarket I frequent. Despite its superior quality, Foster Farms chicken is always competitively priced, making it an accessible option for families like mine. Beyond convenience and value, the taste is consistently fresh and delicious, which makes all the difference in our daily meals. This brand isn’t just a name; it’s a legacy. Foster Farms has been family-owned and operated since 1939, bringing decades of expertise and commitment to quality to our tables. Their fresh chicken is proudly locally grown throughout the West Coast and holds the esteemed American Humane Certified seal, a testament to their dedication to animal welfare. I’m particularly enthusiastic about their recent introduction of Organic and Simply Raised antibiotic-free lines, which align perfectly with my family’s clean-eating values.
As a busy mom of four growing boys, we certainly go through an impressive amount of food! 😉 My priority is to nourish them with meals that are wholesome, minimally processed, and brimming with healthy ingredients. The clean eating movement has gained significant traction, especially concerning the sourcing and preparation of meat. A recent independent survey conducted by Metrix Lab revealed compelling statistics: 85% of parents reported a change in their criteria for buying meat and poultry over recent years, with a striking 42% citing having a child as the primary catalyst for this shift. This highlights a collective parental desire for healthier, more responsibly sourced food options.
I believe most parents wholeheartedly agree that we want to avoid feeding our children unnecessary chemicals and added hormones. This is precisely why I confidently choose Foster Farms chicken. Their Simply Raised line is my personal favorite. The commitment to “no antibiotics administered – EVER” is a huge peace of mind for me, addressing growing concerns about antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, these chickens are 100% vegetarian-fed, contributing to their superior taste and quality, and are, of course, American Humane Certified. This means the chicken is truly 100% natural, undergoing minimal processing with absolutely no additives, preservatives, steroids, or hormones. There’s also no added sodium, ensuring a pure and authentic flavor profile. The fact that it’s locally grown across California, Oregon, and Washington is a significant bonus for me, living here in California, as it means fresher products and support for regional agriculture.
As I mentioned, chicken dinners are a beloved tradition in our home, and this Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken has earned its place as an undisputed family favorite. What makes it so special is its blend of elegance and simplicity. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a meal that looks impressive enough for guests but is incredibly easy to prepare for any weeknight. The resulting dish consistently delivers an amazing flavor that never disappoints.
Crafting the Perfect Marinade and Grilling to Perfection
The secret to this chicken’s incredible flavor lies in its simple yet potent marinade. In a large, sealable plastic baggie, combine good quality olive oil, the bright zest and tangy juice from one lemon, finely minced garlic, a generous amount of fresh rosemary (I like to strip the leaves from one sprig and leave another whole for aroma), and a seasoned dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper. These ingredients work in harmony: the olive oil tenderizes the chicken and carries the flavors deep into the meat, while the lemon juice acts as a natural tenderizer and infuses a vibrant citrus note. Rosemary adds its signature earthy, piney aroma, perfectly complementing the lemon and garlic. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least a couple of hours in the refrigerator – this crucial step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Once marinated, fire up your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat. A properly preheated grill is key to achieving those beautiful sear marks and preventing the chicken from sticking. Place your marinated chicken breasts on the hot grates. For an extra boost of lemon flavor and a touch of visual appeal, you can top each breast with a thin slice of fresh lemon. Close the grill lid to allow for even cooking and to trap that wonderful smoky flavor. Cook for several minutes per side, flipping only once or twice, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. The most reliable way to ensure doneness and food safety is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165ºF (74ºC) in the thickest part of the breast. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is vital, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in exceptionally tender and succulent chicken.
The outcome is nothing short of culinary delight: a chicken breast that is wonderfully tender, incredibly flavorful, and undeniably healthy. This dish is one you can proudly serve to your family and friends, confident in both its taste and nutritional value. It’s the quintessential easy summer dinner, perfect for backyard barbecues or a light weeknight meal, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want to make it year-round. Pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, quinoa, or even a light pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why Choose Clean Eating and Quality Poultry?
Embracing clean eating principles, particularly with proteins like chicken, offers numerous benefits for your health and well-being. By opting for minimally processed chicken without antibiotics, added hormones, or preservatives, you’re making a conscious choice to consume food as close to its natural state as possible. This approach often means higher nutritional value, better flavor, and fewer potentially harmful substances. Foster Farms Simply Raised chicken, with its commitment to no antibiotics ever, 100% vegetarian feed, and American Humane Certification, directly supports these clean eating goals. It’s not just about what’s removed, but also what’s intrinsically good about the product – healthy chickens lead to healthy, flavorful meals. This Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken embodies these principles perfectly, offering a lean protein powerhouse infused with natural flavors, contributing to a balanced diet without compromising on taste. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a guilt-free, delicious meal that supports both your health and ethical food choices.
Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Foster Farms Simply Raised Chicken I used thin sliced breast fillets
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- zest from one lemon
- juice from one lemon about 1/4 cup
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 2 large sprigs rosemary I take the leaves off one of the sprigs and leave the other one whole
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a large baggie and store in the refrigerator for about 3 hours. For optimal flavor, consider marinating for up to 6 hours, or even overnight, to allow the lemon and rosemary to truly infuse the chicken.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. If desired, place a thin slice of fresh lemon on top of each chicken breast for an extra burst of citrus during cooking and an appealing presentation. Close the grill lid and cook for several minutes. Avoid constantly flipping; allow the chicken to develop a nice sear and char before turning.
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Continue cooking, flipping as needed, until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165ºF (74ºC) when measured with a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat while remaining juicy. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board or plate for 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a tender and flavorful result. Serve immediately and savor every delicious, clean-eating bite!
This Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple, clean ingredients, coupled with quality sourcing like Foster Farms Simply Raised chicken, can transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. It’s truly a delight to prepare and even more delightful to eat, embodying the perfect balance of health, flavor, and effortless preparation. Give it a try, and let the bright, herbaceous flavors elevate your next family dinner or summer gathering.
This post is sponsored by Foster Farms®, and the opinions expressed are my own.