Ya Ya's Flame Broiled Chicken Recipe
Craving juicy, smoky chicken with bright lemon-herb flavor? This Ya Ya's Flame Broiled Chicken Recipe brings restaurant magic home. Garlic, oregano and flame-charred skin create perfection.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken legs and thighs bone-in, skin-on
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice 4-5 lemons
- 8 garlic cloves smashed and minced
- ¼ cup dried oregano Greek preferred
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley garnish
Instructions
Create Flavor Bomb Marinade
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper in bowl. Whisk vigorously 1 minute. Emulsifies beautifully. Taste it. Lemon should sing. This marinade tenderizes and flavors deeply.
Marinate for Maximum Juiciness
- Place chicken in large zip-top bag. Pour marinade over completely. Seal tightly. Massage chicken well. Refrigerate 4-24 hours. Flip bag halfway. Longer marinating equals restaurant results. Patience pays off here.
Preheat for Perfect Char
- Gas grill: Medium-high 400°F both sides. Charcoal: Coals gray with hot spots. Broiler: High rack 6 inches from heat. Oil grates lightly. Clean well. Hot grill prevents sticking crucial.
Flame Broil Skin Side First
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve liquid). Place skin-down on hottest grill spot. Sear 6-8 minutes undisturbed. Crispy golden skin forms. Don't move early. Smoke signals flavor building.
Flip and Finish Cooking
- Turn chicken carefully with tongs. Grill 12-15 more minutes. Baste with reserved marinade. Rotate pieces for even char. Legs hit 175°F, breasts 165°F. Juices run clear. Perfect doneness.
Indoor Broiling Method
- Arrange chicken skin-up on foil-lined broiler pan. Broil 8 minutes. Flip and broil 10 minutes. Baste last 3 minutes each side. Watch carefully. Char develops fast indoors too.
Rest and Serve Beautifully
- Tent chicken loosely with foil. Rest 8-10 minutes. Juices redistribute perfectly. Garnish with chopped parsley. Extra lemon wedges. Steam rises invitingly. Ya Ya's Flame Broiled Chicken Recipe ready!
Notes
- Refrigerator: 4 days airtight container.
- Freezer: 3 months double-wrapped.
- Reheat grill: 350°F indirect heat 8 mins.
- Oven method: 325°F covered splash broth.
- Microwave: Covered damp towel prevents drying.
- Never boil—kills smoky flavor.