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Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken

This grilled lemon-pepper chicken is a standout high-protein dish that brings bright, zesty flavours to your summer barbecue. By seasoning the bird an hour before cooking, the salt deeply penetrates the meat, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection. The addition of a honey and lemon butter glaze creates a beautiful caramelised skin that balances the punchy heat of the freshly ground black pepper.

Ideal for a weekend family lunch or a healthy midweek meal, this recipe uses a spatchcocked or halved chicken to ensure even cooking and juicy results. Serve the jointed pieces alongside a crisp green salad or roasted baby potatoes for a satisfying, nutrient-dense dinner. The grilled lemon quarters add a sophisticated, smoky edge to the final presentation.

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Ingredients for Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken

  • 1 (3 1/2–4-lb.) chicken, cut in half

  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided

  • Vegetable oil (for grill)

  • 1 1/2 lemons, divided

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon honey

Sprinkle chicken all over with salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour.

Meanwhile, prepare a grill for medium heat and brush grate with oil. Thinly slice lemon half into rounds. Heat butter and honey in a small saucepan until butter is melted and foaming, then remove from heat and add lemon slices.

Grill chicken, skin side down, until skin is lightly charred and releases from grate without tearing, about 6 minutes. Turn chicken over and lightly brush with lemon butter. Cover grill and continue grilling chicken, brushing with lemon butter every 5 minutes or so, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of breast registers 66°C, 25–28 minutes.

Just before chicken is ready, cut remaining lemon into quarters and grill, cut side down, until charred and softened, 6–8 minutes. Transfer chicken and lemons to a cutting board; let rest 10 minutes before carving chicken into pieces.

To serve, squeeze grilled lemons over chicken and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoons pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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