If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of zesty, garlicky goodness, then you’re in for a treat with this Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken. Imagine juicy, tender chicken infused with the bright tang of lemon, the richness of garlic, and the earthy warmth of spices. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Trust me, this one’s going to become your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken
This recipe is all about the layers of flavors that come together effortlessly. From the garlic to the lemon, it’s a dish that will make your taste buds sing. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Versatile: Perfect for any meal—serve it with rice, salad, or flatbread for a full spread. You can even use it for wraps or sandwiches!
Budget-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe brings out the best in every bite without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: The marinade does all the hard work for you, making this an easy weeknight dinner. Just a little time in the fridge, and you’re set!
Customizable: Adjust the lemon and garlic to your taste. Add a dash of heat with red pepper flakes or throw in some fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: With its tender chicken and bold, aromatic flavors, this dish is always a hit—whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken:
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe, providing juicy meat and crispy skin.
Garlic: The star of the show! Fresh garlic gives this dish that irresistible aroma and deep flavor.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is essential for that tangy, zesty punch. Don’t skimp on it—it’s what makes this recipe shine!
Olive Oil: Rich and smooth olive oil helps create a perfect marinade and gives the chicken that nice crispy finish.
Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that adds depth to the flavor.
Paprika: A smoky, slightly sweet spice that enhances the overall taste.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing out the bright flavors.
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish and a little extra freshness!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that crispy, golden skin.
Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well-blended and smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss them to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: While the chicken is marinating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will help with easy cleanup after cooking.
Arrange the Chicken: After the chicken has marinated, place it on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up. Make sure the chicken is spread out evenly for even cooking.
Cook to Perfection: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, making the chicken even more flavorful.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Serve alongside a fresh tabbouleh salad for a light, refreshing combination.
- Pair it with fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the delicious juices.
- A side of roasted vegetables or grilled veggies complements the smoky flavor of the chicken perfectly.
- Wrap the chicken in warm pita bread with some hummus and a drizzle of tahini for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you prefer boneless chicken, feel free to use chicken breasts or thighs without the bone. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- To enhance the flavor, try adding a bit of lemon zest to the marinade for an extra citrusy punch.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute with garlic powder, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
FAQ’s
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs. - How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is great, but if you have more time, marinate it for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor. - Can I make this recipe on the grill?
Absolutely! Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the size of the pieces. - Can I use a different oil for the marinade?
While olive oil is the best choice, you can substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil if needed. - Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne if you like some heat. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it the next day for extra convenience. - How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked. You can check with a meat thermometer. - Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Try adding some bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the baking sheet for a complete meal. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. - Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.
Conclusion
This Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken is a game-changer—easy to make, bursting with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Give it a try and let the vibrant, zesty flavors take your meal to the next level!
Print
Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main course
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful Lebanese-style chicken dish marinated with lemon, garlic, and aromatic spices, then grilled or baked to perfection. It’s a vibrant and zesty meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). If grilling, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. If baking, place the chicken on a baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the spices to fully penetrate.
- Serve with rice, salad, or pita bread for a complete meal.
- This recipe can also be made with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg