4th July Lemon BBQ Grilled Chicken

Celebrate Independence Day with this zesty, smoky, and mouthwatering 4th July Lemon BBQ Grilled Chicken! Infused with bright lemon flavor and slathered in a tangy homemade barbecue sauce, this grilled chicken is the star of any backyard bash. Easy to prepare and full of bold summer flavors, it’s the ultimate festive dish for your holiday cookout.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Zesty & Smoky – A perfect balance of lemon brightness and barbecue depth.
Grilled Perfection – Char marks and caramelized edges make every bite irresistible.
Perfect for July 4th – Patriotic, picnic-friendly, and universally loved.
Juicy & Tender – Marinated for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Versatile – Works with legs, thighs, breasts, or even wings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2½ lbs chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or boneless breasts)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Lemon BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chopped chives
• Lemon slices for serving

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Zester and juicer
Grill or grill pan
Basting brush
Tongs
Aluminum foil (optional for resting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, mustard, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.

Step 2: Make the Lemon BBQ Sauce
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together ketchup, lemon juice, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
4. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill
6. Heat your grill to medium-high. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
7. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken
8. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
9. Brush with lemon BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling, flipping and basting for a sticky glaze.
10. Use a thermometer to check for doneness (internal temp should be 165°F).

Step 5: Rest and Serve
11. Transfer grilled chicken to a platter and rest for 5 minutes under foil.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken
Marinate Long Enough – At least 1 hour for the best lemon flavor infusion.
Use a Thermometer – Prevents overcooking and ensures safe doneness.
Grill Lid Closed – Retains heat and helps cook evenly.
Baste at the End – Avoids burning the sugar in the BBQ sauce.
Rest Before Slicing – Keeps the juices sealed in.

Serving Suggestions
Corn on the Cob – Grilled and brushed with herb butter.
Potato Salad – Creamy or mustard-based versions pair perfectly.
Watermelon & Feta Salad – A refreshing sweet-and-salty side.
Coleslaw – Adds a cool, crunchy contrast.
Lemonade or Iced Tea – Keeps the summer vibes going strong.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Reheating:
Oven: Warm at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil.
Grill: Reheat over low heat for a few minutes per side.
Microwave: Use short intervals and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
   Absolutely—add lemon juice and zest to enhance it with citrus flavor.
2. What if I don’t have a grill?
   Use a grill pan or roast in the oven at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, basting at the end.
3. Is it good cold?
   Yes, it’s delicious cold or at room temperature—perfect for picnics!
4. Can I make it spicy?
   Add hot sauce or cayenne to the BBQ sauce for a kick.

Final Thoughts
This 4th July Lemon BBQ Grilled Chicken is everything you want in a festive cookout recipe—zesty, juicy, sweet, and smoky with just the right amount of tang. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or just enjoying a summer evening on the deck, this grilled chicken recipe brings fireworks of flavor to your plate.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your grilled feast turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 390mg

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