Rao's Famous Lemon Chicken
Editor's Note: Rao's Famous Lemon Chicken is a delicious broiled chicken recipe that's tart and tangy — perfect for the spring and summer. It's quick and easy to make — the whole thing takes under an hour, and most of that time the chicken is in the broiler so you don't even need to worry about it. This easy lemon chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a weekend dinner party. The lemon sauce is garlicky and bursting with the flavors of lemon and oregano, making this dish a mouthwatering addition to your dining room table! This recipe for Rao's lemon chicken is just what you need the next time you want to make a truly special meal. If you can't get reservations to the iconic restaurant, then you can do the next-best thing by making this lemon chicken recipe at home!
Serves6
Cooking MethodBroiling
CostInexpensive
Total Timeunder 1 hour
Kid FriendlyYes
OccasionCasual Dinner Party
Recipe CourseMain Course
MealDinner
Taste and TextureGarlicky, Herby, Savory, Tangy, Tart
Ingredients
- 2 2 ½- to 3-pound broiling chickens, halved
- ½ cup chopped Italian parsley
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions
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To attain maximum heat, preheat broiler for at least 15 minutes before using.
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Make the Lemon Sauce: Whisk together juice, oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Whisk or shake vigorously before using.
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Broil chicken halves, turning once, for about 30 minutes or until skin is golden-brown and juices run clear when bird is pierced with a fork.
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Remove chicken from broiler, leaving broiler on. Using a very sharp knife, cut each half into about 6 pieces (leg, thigh, wing, 3 small breast pieces).
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Place chicken on a baking sheet with sides, of a size that can fit into the broiler. Pour Lemon Sauce over the chicken and toss to coat well. If necessary, divide sauce in half and do this in two batches.
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Return to broiler and broil for 3 minutes. Turn each piece and broil for an additional minute.
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Remove from broiler and portion each chicken onto each of 6 warm serving plates.
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Pour sauce into a heavy saucepan. Stir in parsley and place over high heat for 1 minute. Pour an equal amount of sauce over each chicken and serve with lots of crusty bread to absorb the sauce.
1998 by Frank Pellegrino
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israel hernandez
Feb 01, 2018
tried the lemon chicken using thighs.....i went heavy with the oregano...i merinated prior to baking. came out very herbsy tasting and good.
mitchlh 4353142
Apr 28, 2017
I make this and its amazing, don't need quite as much olive oil or lemon though. I squeeze to lemons, then add about the sa,e amount of olive oil as what i get for juice.
gganisatgmailcom 7 082159
Jun 28, 2016
I normally don't offer a comment unless it's positive. I had this dish at Rao's and it was almost inedible. The sauce was way too strong and not even tasty. I do not recommend this recipe.
cuddlefish
Apr 08, 2014
This sounds great, but wouldn't it be easier to cut the chicken into the desired pieces beforehand, marinate them in the oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and garlic, and THEN roast in the oven?
mitchlh 4353142
Apr 28, 2017
The lemon would cook it rubbery and it would not get enough char quick.
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