Aug 26 2026
RestaurantsElizabeth’s ItalianPatio Dining Recipe

Patio Dining Recipe

Time55m
Serves4

Make Patio Dining Recipe in just 55m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Charred Lemon Butter & Garnish

Method

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare and Marinate

    Pat the 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish or large zip-top bag combine 3 tbs olive oil, 2 tbs lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbs chopped rosemary, 1 tbs chopped thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Add the chicken, press out excess air if using a bag, and turn to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.

  2. 2

    Preheat Grill

    Remove chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to come toward room temperature. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat and brush lightly with oil.

  3. 3

    Grill the Chicken

    Shake off excess marinade and place chicken on the hot grill. Cook 5–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), flipping once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C) and the exterior has good grill marks. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to a cooler part of the grill and close the lid briefly.

  4. 4

    Rest

    Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil for 5 minutes to rest and redistribute juices before slicing or serving.

Warm Tomato-Corn Salad

  1. 5

    Sear Corn and Tomatoes

    Heat 2 tbs olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 cups corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until some kernels develop light char (3–5 minutes). Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook 1–2 minutes more, just until tomatoes begin to soften and blister. Remove from heat.

  2. 6

    Toss with Dressing

    While still warm, add 0.5 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1 tbs sherry or red wine vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, 0.75 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Toss gently to combine so the warm vegetables absorb the dressing.

  3. 7

    Finish with Basil

    Stir in 0.5 cup chiffonade fresh basil just before serving so it wilts slightly but retains bright color.

Charred Lemon Butter & Garnish

  1. 8

    Char the Lemon

    While the chicken rests, place the halved lemon cut-side down on the hot grill or in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes until char marks appear and the citrus softens. Remove and squeeze the juice into 3 tbs unsalted butter placed in a small bowl or heatproof cup. Mash and mix so the butter melts and combines with lemon juice.

  2. 9

    Finish and Serve

    Slice the rested chicken if desired and brush or spoon the warm charred lemon butter over each portion. Sprinkle 2 tbs chopped fresh parsley and 0.5 tsp flaky sea salt over the chicken. Serve alongside the warm tomato-corn salad on the patio, passing extra lemon halves and olive oil at the table.

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