I’ve always loved recipes that bring bold flavor with simple ingredients. When I first tasted this dish, I knew it would be one of my go-to favorites. About fifteen years ago, I discovered Raos lemon chicken recipe, and it changed how I looked at citrus and poultry.
The bright lemon flavor cuts through the richness of the chicken perfectly. It’s zesty, juicy, and incredibly satisfying. I make this recipe whenever I want to impress someone without spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s rustic, classic, and full of character. If you enjoy dishes that hit that perfect balance of tangy and savory, this one’s for you. Let me walk you through exactly how I make it, step by step.
How To Prepare Raos Lemon Chicken Recipe?
🕒 Quick Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian-American
Yield: 6 servings
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet with sides
- Broiler or oven with broil setting
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 broiling chickens (2½ to 3 pounds each), halved
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 13 lemons)
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Lemon Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Before using, whisk or shake vigorously to recombine.
2. Preheat the Broiler
Position a rack in the upper third of your oven and preheat the broiler for at least 15 minutes to attain maximum heat.
3. Broil the Chicken
Season the chicken halves generously with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down on a greased baking sheet with sides. Broil for about 15 minutes. Turn the chicken pieces and continue broiling until the skin is golden and crisp and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, about 10 minutes more.
4. Cut and Marinate the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the broiler, leaving the broiler on. Using a sharp knife, cut each half into about 6 pieces (leg, thigh, wing, and three small breast pieces). Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the lemon sauce over them, tossing to coat well. Let them marinate briefly while you prepare for the next step.
5. Final Broil
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken pieces back to the baking sheet, arranging them skin-side up. Reserve the remaining lemon sauce. Broil the chicken until sizzling and deep golden brown, about 10–15 minutes.
6. Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is broiling, pour the reserved lemon sauce into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir in the chopped parsley and place over high heat for 1 minute.
7. Serve
Transfer the broiled chicken pieces to a serving platter. Pour the heated lemon sauce over the chicken. Serve immediately with plenty of crusty bread to absorb the delicious sauce.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 340
- Total Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin A: 5% DV
- Vitamin C: 68% DV
- Calcium: 1% DV
- Iron: 2% DV
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
8 Amazing Serving Ideas
Here are 8 of my favorite ways to serve Raos lemon chicken recipe each one brings out its bright, zesty flavors in a different way:
- With Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creamy potatoes soak up the lemony sauce beautifully.
- Over Herbed Couscous – Light, fluffy, and perfect for balancing the citrus kick.
- Alongside Grilled Asparagus – Adds a smoky, green crunch that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Tucked into a Warm Pita – I love this for a quick lunch with a drizzle of extra sauce.
- With Orzo Pasta Salad – The lemon chicken turns a simple pasta salad into a complete meal.
- Next to a Caprese Salad – Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil keep things fresh and vibrant.
- On Top of Mixed Greens – I slice the chicken and toss it with arugula, spinach, and vinaigrette.
- With Roasted Sweet Potatoes – The sweet and tangy combo is one I never get tired of.
These ideas keep the meal exciting, whether I’m entertaining or just treating myself.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Raos Lemon Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Crusty Italian Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful lemon sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables complements the dish well.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
- Pasta: A side of pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic makes for a hearty meal.
🔄 Tips and Variations
- Marination: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon sauce for a few hours or overnight before broiling.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different aromatic profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon sauce for a subtle heat.
- Grilling Option: During warmer months, grill the chicken instead of broiling for a smoky flavor.
🌿 Health Benefits
This Raos lemon chicken recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with health perks too. I love how it uses simple, clean ingredients without any heavy sauces or processed extras. The chicken gives me a solid dose of lean protein, which keeps me full and supports muscle health.
The fresh lemon juice brings in a boost of vitamin C, which helps with immunity and skin health. I also like using olive oil because it’s full of heart-healthy fats that support cholesterol balance.
Garlic and oregano add anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which I always appreciate in my meals. This dish fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle—flavorful, nourishing, and wholesome without being complicated.
How To Freeze ?
When I want to save leftovers or prep ahead, I always freeze Raos lemon chicken recipe the right way to lock in flavor. I let the chicken cool completely first. Then I place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour.
Once they’re firm, I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, along with a bit of the lemon sauce for moisture. I label it with the date and try to use it within 2 to 3 months.
When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through. The flavor stays just as bold and bright as the first day.
Conclusion
Raos lemon chicken recipe has become one of my personal kitchen staples for good reason. It’s bold, bright, and unbelievably easy to pull together. I love how the simple lemon-garlic sauce transforms ordinary chicken into something unforgettable.
Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing a meal with friends, this dish never disappoints. It brings that perfect mix of comfort and flavor without feeling heavy.
If you’re craving something zesty, juicy, and foolproof, give this a try. I promise it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation—just like it did in mine.