Description
A vibrant Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender marinated chicken thighs or breasts infused with bold Middle Eastern spices, fresh lemon juice, and garlic, perfectly grilled or baked for a juicy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade:
- 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, thoroughly combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper 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 to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: If grilling, place the chicken on the grill 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 source and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy meat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through safely.
- Serve with rice, salad, or flatbreads for a complete Lebanese-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Keywords: Lebanese chicken, lemon garlic chicken, grilled chicken, marinated chicken, Middle Eastern chicken recipe
