Grilled Lemon Lime Chicken
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
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Ingredients

- 5 pounds whole roasting chicken
- 3/4 cup salt, preferably without additives, such as canning or Kosher (optional)
- 1 lemon
- 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons butter 
 
The citrusy blend of lemon and lime is an ideal counterpoint to the richness of succulent
grill-roasted chicken. Brining is optional, but is well worth the time--it practically guarantees
moist flavorful meat.
 
Directions
  • If brining the chicken, mix salt with 3 quarts water in a non-reactive pan, bowl, or
    pail just large enough to hold the bird snugly. Chicken should be completely covered with brine

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solution. Make more, if necessary. If the chicken floats, cover with a weighted plate (use canned
food, etc. as a weight) to keep it submerged. Refrigerate brining container or place in a cooler
with ice, for 4-6 hours.
  • Remove chicken from brine, rinse and pat dry.
  • Remove zest (just
    the colored part, not the bitter white pith underneath) from lemon and lime with a zester, peeler
    or sharp knife. Chop finely and mix well with the butter.
  • Loosen chicken skin from meat by
    carefully working your hand between skin and meat everywhere you can. Push lumps of zest-butter
    under the skin, then spread them around by massaging skin from the outside. If the chicken wasn't
    brined, liberally salt the cavity.
  • Squeeze juice from lemon and lime; put squeezed rinds in
    the cavity and set juice aside.
  • If you prefer to truss the chicken, use strong string to
    pull drumstick ends towards each other, but not tightly--leave space so inner sides of leg and
    thigh can brown.
  • Prepare grill for indirect medium heat, according to manufacturer's directions.
  • Put chicken on grill in area away from direct heat, breast side up. Cover grill. Cook for
    about 2 hours, basting occasionally with lemon-lime juice. Chicken is done when leg joints move
    easily, or when an instant-read thermometer reads 180°.
  • Remove from heat and let rest a few
    minutes before carving.


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