Description
This Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon juice, garlic, and warm spices. Perfectly grilled or baked to achieve a flavorful and aromatic dish, it’s a quick and healthy meal that brings Middle Eastern flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat Cooking Equipment: Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C) to get ready for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: If grilling, place the chicken on the grill over medium-high heat and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If baking, arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor significantly but marinating for at least 1 hour provides good results.
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs provide juicier, more flavorful meat.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the cayenne pepper.
- The chicken can be served with rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure safe cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (baking) or 10-12 minutes (grilling)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
