If you’re searching for a refreshing twist on classic grilled chicken, the Arnold Palmer Chicken Recipe is your next favorite dish waiting to happen. This recipe brilliantly combines the nostalgic flavors of iced tea and lemonade into a vibrant marinade that infuses the chicken with a zesty, slightly sweet, and herbaceous flavor. Every bite brings a delightful balance of tang and savory notes, perfect for summer cookouts or a bright weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this Arnold Palmer Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Arnold Palmer Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the marinade’s unique and irresistible flavor profile while also enhancing the texture of the chicken.
- 6 tea bags: Provides the classic iced tea base that gives this marinade its signature taste and mild tannins.
- 3 cups water: Used to brew the tea, creating a perfect liquid foundation for the marinade.
- 1 cup thawed frozen lemonade concentrate: Adds a bright, citrusy sweetness that balances the tea’s earthiness wonderfully.
- ¼ cup kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and helps the chicken absorb all those vibrant flavors.
- 1 small sweet onion (thinly sliced): Infuses subtle sweetness and a hint of savory depth into the marinade.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Brings a warm, aromatic punch that complements the other ingredients.
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs: Adds a woody, fragrant herbal note that elevates the dish beautifully.
- 1 Tbsp freshly cracked pepper: Offers mild heat and texture to round out the flavor profile.
- 2 cups ice cubes: Cools the marinade quickly to keep it fresh when combining with the chicken.
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness): Ensures even cooking and maximum marinade absorption.
How to Make Arnold Palmer Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Perfect Tea Base
Start by bringing 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan, then add the 6 tea bags. After removing the pot from heat, cover it and let the tea steep for 10 minutes. This step forms the heart of the marinade and infuses your chicken with that familiar Arnold Palmer flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Build the Marinade
Next, discard the tea bags and stir in the thawed frozen lemonade concentrate, kosher salt, thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, fresh rosemary sprigs, and freshly cracked pepper. Heat the mixture gently over medium heat just until the salt dissolves, allowing the aromatics to mingle and release their flavors.
Step 3: Chill the Marinade
Once seasoned and aromatic, let the marinade cool completely, then stir in 2 cups of ice cubes. This cool down is essential to ensure the chicken marinates safely without beginning to cook prematurely in a warm liquid.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
Place the prepared marinade along with the chicken breasts in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag and seal it tightly. Refrigerate the bagged chicken for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. This step is where all the magic happens, tenderizing the chicken and balancing acidity with sweet and savory notes.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
When ready, remove the chicken from the marinade and grill over medium-high heat for approximately 10 minutes, or until fully cooked through. The marinade caramelizes lightly on the grill, creating a beautiful, flavor-packed crust without any bitterness.
How to Serve Arnold Palmer Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Arnold Palmer Chicken Recipe visually and flavor-wise, consider garnishing with freshly chopped rosemary, thin lemon slices, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds an extra burst of freshness that ties everything together.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with vibrant, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad, grilled corn on the cob, or a light quinoa salad tossed with herbs. For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted vegetables work beautifully to complement the zesty marinade.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, slice the grilled chicken breasts and fan them on a large platter, surrounded by wedges of lemon and sprigs of rosemary. Alternatively, serve the chicken over a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled fruit like peaches or pineapple for a sweet-savory contrast that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Arnold Palmer Chicken Recipe is just as delicious reheated or enjoyed cold in salads or sandwiches. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep this recipe on hand for busy days, consider freezing cooked chicken breasts in a freezer-safe container. They retain their flavor and texture well and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, covering it to retain moisture. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the chicken, but don’t worry — the marinade’s citrus and tea infusion helps keep it tender and flavorful!
FAQs
Can I use black or green tea for this Arnold Palmer Chicken Recipe?
Both black and green tea can work, but black tea is preferred for its stronger, more robust flavor that balances well with the lemonade and rosemary in this recipe.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 4 hours is great, but up to 24 hours allows the marinade to deeply infuse the chicken, resulting in maximum flavor and tenderness.
Can I make this recipe with other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! Thighs or drumsticks can be used, but adjust grilling times since they take longer to cook than breasts. Keep in mind that skin-on pieces will add extra flavor but may change the marinade absorption.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken to an even thickness?
Pounding chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and absorb the marinade uniformly, preventing dry or undercooked spots. It really makes a difference in texture and flavor!
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours ahead without adding the chicken. Just store it in the fridge and add the chicken when you’re ready to marinate, ensuring the flavors stay fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Arnold Palmer Chicken Recipe truly highlights how simple ingredients and a creative marinade can transform a basic chicken dinner into something extraordinary. The blend of tea, lemonade, and fresh herbs makes it bright, juicy, and utterly irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this delightful dish becomes a staple in your kitchen and your heart.
Print
Arnold Palmer Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Arnold Palmer Chicken is a flavorful grilled chicken recipe marinated in a refreshing blend of brewed tea, lemonade concentrate, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. This marinade infuses tender chicken breasts with a subtle balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it perfect for summer cookouts or a light, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 6 tea bags
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup thawed frozen lemonade concentrate
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cups ice cubes
Chicken
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
Instructions
- Prepare the Tea Base: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the 6 tea bags, remove from heat, cover, and steep for 10 minutes to fully extract the tea flavor.
- Mix the Marinade: Discard the tea bags from the brewed tea. Stir in the thawed lemonade concentrate, kosher salt, thinly sliced sweet onion, minced garlic, fresh rosemary sprigs, and freshly cracked pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat just until the salt dissolves completely, ensuring all flavors meld together.
- Cool the Marinade: Allow the marinade to cool completely. Once cool, stir in 2 cups of ice cubes to chill the mixture and prepare it for marinating the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the marinade along with the pounded chicken breasts into a large zip-top plastic freezer bag. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to let the chicken absorb the flavors deeply.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning as needed, until fully cooked and juices run clear. Serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Do not reuse marinade after chicken has been added to it as it contains raw chicken juices.
- You can substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary if fresh is not available, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
- If you prefer, use a gas or charcoal grill to add smoky flavor to the chicken.
- Marinating time can be adjusted from 2 to 24 hours based on how strong you want the infusion of flavors.
