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Seasoned chicken drumsticks and bone-in thighs on a plate ready to make lemon tarragon grilled chicken

Lemon Tarragon Grilled Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken drumsticks and bone-in thighs finished in a bright lemon and fresh tarragon sauce. A simple crowd-feeding summer dinner with no oven required.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 12 chicken drumsticks about 4 to 5 lbs total
  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs about 5 lbs total
  • 2 tbsp salt to season the chicken
  • 2 tsp black pepper to season the chicken
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice about 1 large lemon, freshly squeezed
  • 0.25 cup fresh tarragon finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1.5 tsp salt for the sauce
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper for the sauce
  • 0.33 cup olive oil extra virgin recommended
  • fresh lemon slices for garnish

Equipment

  • Gas grill
  • Meat thermometer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Set all grill burners to high heat. Pat every piece of chicken completely dry using paper towels. Trim away any excess fat with a sharp knife. Season all sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Turn off one burner and lightly grease the rack directly above it. Place the drumsticks over the turned-off side to cook with indirect heat. Close the lid and grill for 20 minutes. Flip each piece, then grill another 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F at the thickest part.
  3. While the drumsticks finish cooking, combine lemon juice, chopped tarragon, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly so the sauce comes together into a smooth emulsified coating.
  4. For a charred golden finish, turn the burner directly under the drumsticks to high heat and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the skin crisps and browns. Transfer the drumsticks into the bowl with the sauce and turn to coat. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you cook the thighs.
  5. Repeat the indirect heat process for the chicken thighs. Grill approximately 15 minutes per side until they reach 165 degrees F internally. Turn the burner to high for the final 2 minutes to get that same golden char. Add the thighs to the sauce bowl, turn to coat, and serve hot.

Notes

Fresh tarragon is strongly recommended. Dried tarragon will not deliver the same brightness. Fresh basil can be used as a substitute if needed. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge and taste even better the next day as the sauce soaks deeper into the meat.