Pollo alla Griglia (Grilled Chicken)
Pollo alla Griglia (Grilled Chicken)
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Bowl for marinating
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken cut into 4 parts (legs and breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove crushed
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Method:
- Prepare the chicken: Start by washing the chicken and cutting it into 4 parts: two legs and two breasts. Make a few shallow cuts on the surface of the meat to help the marinade soak in.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and make sure they are fully coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (ideally 1 hour).
- Preheat the grill: Get your grill ready by preheating it over medium heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it on the stove.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken pieces on the grill. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has a beautiful golden brown color. Use a brush to apply extra marinade while grilling for more flavor.
- Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Variations:
- Herb Marinade: You can switch up the herbs depending on what you have on hand—oregano, thyme, or sage work beautifully too.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a bit of paprika to the marinade for some heat.
- Beer Marinade: Some people like to marinate their chicken in beer for added flavor. Simply replace some of the olive oil with beer for a slightly different twist.
- Tips:
- Even Cooking: If using larger pieces of chicken, consider spatchcocking (removing the backbone) for more even grilling.
- Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to cook the chicken over too high heat, as it can burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Medium heat is key to achieving that tender, juicy finish.
Let me show you how I make a classic Italian grilled chicken, or Pollo alla Griglia, that’s simple, light, and full of flavor. This dish is enjoyed all over Italy, especially during summer when outdoor grilling is popular. It’s an excellent choice for a light dinner or lunch and can be easily prepared on the grill or even in a grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor barbecue.
Where in Italy is this from?
Pollo alla Griglia is common throughout Italy, particularly in the central and southern regions, where grilling is a staple method of cooking. The dish is simple, relying on a few fresh ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and rosemary.
What to Expect:
Pollo alla Griglia should have a crispy, slightly smoky exterior, while the meat inside stays tender and juicy. The marinade infuses the chicken with the bright flavors of lemon and the earthy notes of rosemary. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish.
Prep Time:
- 30 minutes (for marinating)
Cook Time:
- 30 minutes (on the grill)
Total Time:
- 1 hour (including marinating)
Servings:
- 2 servings
Cuisine:
- Italian
Course:
- Main Course
Equipment Needed:
- Grill (or grill pan)
- Tongs
- Bowl for marinating
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pollo alla Griglia now.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 4 parts (legs and breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pollo alla Griglia now.
Method:
- Prepare the chicken: Start by washing the chicken and cutting it into 4 parts: two legs and two breasts. Make a few shallow cuts on the surface of the meat to help the marinade soak in.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and make sure they are fully coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (ideally 1 hour).
- Preheat the grill: Get your grill ready by preheating it over medium heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it on the stove.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken pieces on the grill. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has a beautiful golden brown color. Use a brush to apply extra marinade while grilling for more flavor.
- Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations:
- Herb Marinade: You can switch up the herbs depending on what you have on hand, oregano, thyme, or sage work beautifully too.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a bit of paprika to the marinade for some heat.
- Beer Marinade: Some people like to marinate their chicken in beer for added flavor. Simply replace some of the olive oil with beer for a slightly different twist.
Tips:
- Even Cooking: If using larger pieces of chicken, consider spatchcocking (removing the backbone) for more even grilling.
- Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to cook the chicken over too high heat, as it can burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Medium heat is key to achieving that tender, juicy finish.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pollo alla Griglia now.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
- Dairy-Free: It’s also dairy-free, so it’s great for those with dairy intolerances.
- Low-Calorie: To reduce calories further, remove the skin from the chicken before marinating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~25g (mostly from olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
Notes:
This dish is perfect for a summer meal, especially if you’re cooking outdoors. It’s light enough for those watching their diet, but flavorful enough to satisfy any appetite. Pair it with a refreshing white wine or sparkling water, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful Italian meal.
I hope this guide has made making Pollo alla Griglia seem a little less daunting! Have you tried grilling chicken like this before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comment below. I’d love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>