Juicy Butterflied Chicken with Garlic Lemon Marinade: A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Dish

Photo byAngie Bright

For a dinner that’s both delicious and visually stunning, try this Juicy Butterflied Chicken with a Garlic Lemon Marinade. Butterflying the chicken ensures even cooking, while the rich marinade infuses the meat with tangy lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. The result is a perfectly roasted chicken that’s golden brown on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.

This recipe takes a whole chicken and transforms it into a dish that’s as impressive as it is easy to prepare. Butterflying, or spatchcocking, the chicken helps it cook evenly, ensuring that every part of the bird comes out perfectly roasted. The marinade, made with a blend of mayonnaise, melted butter, lemon juice, chicken spice, and minced garlic, creates a rich, zesty coating that locks in moisture and enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.

The key to achieving that golden, crispy skin is to start baking the chicken covered with foil to lock in moisture, then finish it uncovered for the last few minutes. This method allows the skin to become beautifully browned without drying out the meat. Serve this garlic-lemon chicken with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad, for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Juicy Butterflied Chicken with Garlic Lemon Marinade Recipe
Ingredients:

• 1 full chicken, butterflied
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 60ml lemon juice (about ¼ cup)
• 1 tablespoon chicken spice
• Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken:
Butterfly the chicken by removing the backbone using kitchen shears or a sharp knife. Press the chicken flat with the breast facing up. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, melted butter, lemon juice, chicken spice, finely chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

4. Marinate the Chicken:
Rub the garlic lemon marinade all over the chicken, ensuring that it’s evenly coated. Make sure to get some of the marinade under the skin for maximum flavor.

5. Bake the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken on an oven tray and cover it with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.

6. Finish Roasting:
After 50 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking the chicken uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

7. Rest and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This helps retain the juices, making the chicken even more succulent. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

A Perfectly Balanced Roast Chicken
This Juicy Butterflied Chicken with Garlic Lemon Marinade is the perfect centerpiece for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of mayonnaise and melted butter in the marinade creates a rich, creamy base that keeps the chicken incredibly moist. The addition of lemon juice and garlic adds a bright, aromatic flavor, while the fresh parsley gives it a touch of color and freshness.

The butterflying technique ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, resulting in a dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive on the plate. It’s the kind of recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite, offering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Pair it with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad, and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, home-cooked chicken dinner that’s big on flavor.

Source:
Moose Pattie Facebook