Spring Recipe for Your BBQ: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Fresh Spring Veggies

As the weather warms up and flowers begin to bloom, it's the perfect time to fire up your outdoor kitchen and enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients. This spring-inspired recipe combines bright flavours and vibrant vegetables for a light, healthy, and delicious meal. Here’s how to make Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Fresh Spring Veggies right in your own backyard.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Grilled Spring Vegetables:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 red capsicum, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavour.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

While the chicken marinates, toss the asparagus, capsicum, squash, and zucchini in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Preheat the Grill:

Heat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, ensure it’s properly cleaned and oiled to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through. The marinade will give the chicken a bright, citrusy flavour, perfect for spring.

5. Grill the Vegetables:

While the chicken is grilling, place the vegetables on the grill. Grill the veggies for 3-5 minutes on each side, until they’re tender and slightly charred. The quick grilling will bring out their natural sweetness while keeping them crisp.

6. Serve and Garnish:

Once everything is done, serve the grilled chicken alongside the veggies. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.

Conclusion:

This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Fresh Spring Veggies is the perfect way to celebrate the flavours of spring in your outdoor kitchen. Light, zesty, and full of seasonal produce, this meal is ideal for a family dinner or small gathering. The best part? It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and packed with flavour, so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors with loved ones.