If you love vibrant, zesty flavors that bring a little sunshine to your plate, you are going to adore this Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe. It’s a brilliant combination of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a beautiful mix of warm spices like cumin and turmeric, all coming together to create a dish that is juicy, flavorful, and downright addictive. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe hits all the right notes with simplicity and bold taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe shines because of its straightforward yet thoughtfully picked ingredients. Each one adds an essential layer of flavor, from the bright acidity of fresh lemons to the earthy warmth of spices and the rich moistness from olive oil.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs offer juiciness, breasts provide lean protein—choose your favorite or a mix for variety.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken perfectly.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons): The star of the dish that brightens and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses a bold, aromatic depth that complements the citrus.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, slightly smoky earthiness, key to authentic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander: Provides a subtle citrus undertone that harmonizes with the lemon.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric: Brings a gorgeous golden color and a mild, comforting warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth with a gentle smokiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a little spicy kick, adjust to your heat preference.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the vibrant flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and balances the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh green touch that lifts the dish visually and taste-wise.
How to Make Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and all your spices—cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper—in a large bowl or resealable bag. This mixture is the magic that infuses every bite with intense flavor and tenderizes the chicken perfectly.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl or bag, making sure each piece is evenly coated in the marinade. This step is where patience pays off: letting the chicken soak for at least one hour in the refrigerator allows those bright and aromatic ingredients to penetrate deeply. Overnight is even better if you can plan ahead!
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill or Oven
While the chicken marinates, get your cooking method ready. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot grill will give you that beautiful char and smoky aroma, while baking ensures juicy and evenly cooked chicken.
Step 4: Grill or Bake the Chicken
If grilling, place the marinated chicken over medium-high heat and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Keep an eye on it until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked perfectly through. For oven baking, arrange the chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The result will be wonderfully moist and tender chicken with a subtly spiced crust.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once cooked, let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This little step makes all the difference for juicy slices. Finish by sprinkling the fresh chopped parsley on top, adding a refreshing burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic and simple garnish that brings a lovely pop of green and fresh herbal note. For extra brightness, a few lemon wedges on the side invite your guests to add more citrus zing if they wish. Some toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil also make wonderful finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with light and vibrant sides. Think fluffy couscous tossed with fresh herbs, a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, or creamy garlic hummus to scoop up every last bite. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or warm pita bread round it out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this chicken sliced atop a bed of fragrant rice or wrapped in warm flatbreads with a dollop of tangy yogurt sauce and crunchy pickled vegetables. It’s also fantastic as a protein boost in grain bowls or chopped into a salad for a refreshing, easy lunch or dinner option that feels special without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled and use it for quick meals like salads, wraps, or reheated dinners to enjoy the bright flavors all week long.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for further down the line, this chicken freezes well. Wrap the cooked pieces tightly or place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep it juicy and avoid drying out the meat. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, especially if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye on cooking times since breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating well helps keep them juicy.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating for at least one hour gives good flavor, letting it rest overnight in the fridge really deepens the taste and tenderizes the meat marvelously. If you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute soak is better than nothing.
Can I make this recipe without cayenne pepper?
Yes, the cayenne pepper is completely optional and can be omitted if you want a milder dish. The other spices provide plenty of warm, aromatic flavor without the heat.
What can I serve with Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken for a complete meal?
Try pairing the chicken with sides like herbed couscous, fattoush salad, grilled vegetables, or warm pita with hummus. These complement the bright, tangy chicken perfectly and offer a balanced meal.
Can I cook this dish in an air fryer?
Definitely! Cooking the marinated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, will give you a deliciously crisp and juicy result with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting every time you make it. The bold lemon and garlic flavors combined with vibrant spices create a meal that’s simple to prepare but extraordinary in taste. Next time you want a flavorful, satisfying dinner that brings a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table, give this recipe a try. You’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time; at least 1 hour recommended)
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. Perfectly grilled or baked, it’s a healthy and aromatic entrée that pairs beautifully with fresh parsley garnish and makes for a delightful meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade and coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though marinating overnight is ideal for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat Cooking Equipment: Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C), depending on your chosen cooking method.
- Grill the Chicken: If using a grill, cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Bake the Chicken: If baking, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- The recipe allows flexibility with chicken breasts or thighs; thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on heat preference.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
