BBQ Chicken with Parsley, Lemon, Garlic Salsa

A Summer BBQ That's Both Easy and Delicious

Summertime is here, and that means it's officially BBQ season! This year, I decided to switch things up from my usual burgers and hot dogs and try something new. I'm not a professional chef, just a regular mom who loves to spend time with my family and create delicious meals. This BBQ chicken recipe is perfect for a casual get-together with friends and family – quick, easy, and unbelievably flavorful. The star of this dish is undoubtedly the vibrant parsley, lemon, and garlic salsa. It adds a fantastic tangy zip that perfectly balances the smoky char of the grilled chicken. I love how the simple ingredients transform into something truly special.

The preparation itself is incredibly straightforward. Marinating the chicken is key—it helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with a wonderful citrusy and herbaceous aroma. The marinating time also allows for some well-deserved relaxation. While the chicken marinates, I usually catch up on my emails, tend to my garden, or just relax with a good book. The salsa comes together in a flash – everything gets whirred up in the food processor for a perfectly smooth consistency. Grilling the chicken is simple, but a few key tips make all the difference: I like to brush the grill with some of the marinade before adding the chicken to help prevent sticking. I also recommend not to turn the chicken too early; let it cook through on one side before flipping. That way, you get beautifully charred grill marks and crispy skin. The roasted lemons alongside the chicken add another layer of flavor, the juicy bursts enhancing the whole experience.

Beyond being easy and delicious, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to your liking; adding some chilli flakes would be a great addition to the salsa, giving it a bit of a kick. Or maybe you fancy some extra herbs? You can get really creative and experiment with different combinations! No matter how you do it, the result is a mouthwatering dish sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the joy of creating something delicious to share with those we love. It's about that wonderful summer feeling—the sunshine, the company, and the simple satisfaction of a job well done. The fact that there were no leftovers just proves how much everyone loved it. It’s a recipe I plan to repeat many times this summer, adjusting and improving it, and sharing with family and friends. If you're looking for a simple yet impressive summer BBQ recipe, this is it!

Pro Tip: Don't throw away the leftover lemon juice! You can use it for dressings, marinades or even cocktails, ensuring no part of the deliciousness goes to waste.

Step-by-step

• Preheat the grill.
• Salt and pepper the chicken well all over. Place it in a shallow glass container and let it marinate with the lemon juice, parsley, garlic, and olive oil.
• Meanwhile, place the parsley, capers, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a small food processor. Chop fine. Place in a small container and add salt and pepper to taste.
• The salsa has to have tanginess from the lemon and be smooth from the olive oil.
• Barbecue the chicken and baste with the marinade as it is cooking.
• Place the 2 small lemons, sliced in half, alongside the chicken. Remove the lemons when done to retain the juice.
• Serve the chicken with salsa and juice from the roasted lemons.