When a reader takes the time to send me a favorite recipe, I am always grateful. I don’t always get to it right away; in the case of last month’s barbecued bean salad, it took me a whole year. But I made it…and loved it.
It’s fun when the newspaper (for which I write a bi-weekly food column) extends a request for reader participation. I view each shared recipe as a small gift and relish any details or side stories that are included.
Where grilling is concerned, I tend to revisit my arsenal of favorites. So, a grill-themed collaboration with readers was just what I needed to break out of my metaphorical box.
The following contribution came from Christine Mohn. When she emailed two different versions of her Lemon Chicken, I asked if her family preferred one to the other. Gamely, she made both marinades that night for a side-by-side taste test and replied that her family thought the herb version might have a slightly wider appeal.
Since my family enjoys a good taste test, too, I conducted the same experiment a few nights later. Go figure! My family preferred the flavor of the butter lemon version by a small margin.
Faced with two different families choosing different favorites, I thought it might be fun to offer readers the chance to conduct their own comparison by presenting both of Christine’s offerings. Ultimately, both marinades are simple to prepare and will compliment a wide range of seasonal side dishes.
Yields 3 pounds of chicken yields approximately 6-8 servings.
- Each marinade recipe is enough to coat 3 pounds of boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup lemon juice,
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
-
If making the *Butter Lemon Chicken,* combine all of those ingredients in a saucepan and heat until the butter melts. Pour over the chicken and marinate all day or overnight for best flavor. (I like to use a zipper-top bag, but a covered bowl may be used instead.)
-
If making the *Lemon Herb Chicken,* combine those ingredients in a zip-top bag or large bowl. Add the chicken and marinate all day or overnight for best flavor.
-
When ready to eat, prepare the grill. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature until the grill is ready.
-
Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the remaining marinade, and grill over medium heat for 7-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, or until the chicken is just cooked through. Remove from the heat and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before eating.
Thank you, Christine!
I made the butter lemon version, too, and it was loved by all!
Thanks for letting me know!
Pingback: The Fountain Avenue Kitchen – Grilling Roundup
Pingback: Wednesday Lunch Date #3: Fontina Frittatas, Sesame Street Celery, & Workouts for the Overworked
Just finished washing the dishes and wanted to tell you that we ate the butter/soy version for dinner with neighbors tonight and everyone raved. Will definitely make again soon!
Thank you for letting me know, Evelyn. I’m thrilled everyone enjoyed!