If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, the Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is your perfect match. This recipe combines the zesty punch of fresh lemon juice with the rich warmth of garlic and aromatic spices, creating a tender, juicy chicken dish that’s both simple and spectacular. Whether you grill or bake it, the marinade infuses every bite with a lively, authentic taste of Lebanon that is guaranteed to impress family and friends alike. Get ready to fall in love with a meal that is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe shines because of its straightforward yet powerful ingredients. Each element is chosen to enhance the flavor, tenderness, and color of the chicken, making the preparation as rewarding as the final dish.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for maximum juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: This healthy fat helps the marinade coat the chicken and locks in moisture during cooking.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons): Adds zesty brightness and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives the dish its signature punch, balancing the lemon’s acidity.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A warm spice that adds complexity and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander: Brings a subtle citrus note that complements the lemon perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives a glowing golden color and mild earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a hint of smoky sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little gentle heat in their meal.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of pungency and warmth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh color and a mild herbaceous note.
How to Make Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk or mix everything thoroughly to create a vibrant, aromatic marinade that will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated by tossing or sealing the bag and massaging the marinade into the meat. For best results, cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour — though letting it sit overnight amps up the flavor and tenderness beautifully.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare for Cooking
Whether you’re firing up the grill or prepping the oven, this step is simple: Preheat your grill or set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and locks in those gorgeous juices.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
If grilling, place chicken pieces over medium-high heat and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. If you prefer baking, arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe and perfectly moist.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once your chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute for an extra tender bite. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top to add a pop of color and refreshing flavor.
How to Serve Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish, adding a beautiful visual contrast and a gentle herbal lift. For an extra touch of aroma, consider a few lemon wedges on the side so guests can squeeze more brightness onto their plates. Toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of sumac also make wonderful additions that marry beautifully with the dish’s flavors.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments that soak up the zesty sauce. Think flaky, buttery pita bread or warm flatbreads, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, or fluffy basmati rice seasoned lightly with turmeric or cinnamon. Roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers also complement the spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve this Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe plated over a bed of herbaceous couscous mixed with chopped mint and toasted almonds. Or, assemble it into a vibrant wrap with crunchy pickled onions and a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce for a delightful handheld treat with all the flavors of Lebanon in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to 3 days, giving you quick and tasty meals the next day without any hassle.
Freezing
If you want to save this Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label it so you remember this gem waiting for you!
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or use your oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Microwaving works too but do so in short bursts to keep the chicken juicy without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine and are leaner, though thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if you slightly overcook them.
Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?
Not necessarily, but marinating for at least an hour is crucial. Overnight marination really intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Is there a substitute for fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness and freshness, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work. Just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice and not a lemon-flavored drink.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid any gluten-containing side dishes or marinades.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe calls for a small amount of cayenne pepper, but it’s optional. You can easily adjust or omit it to suit your preferred spice level.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the inviting aroma of this Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe filling your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight and yet special enough to wow your guests. The perfect balance of zingy lemon, fragrant garlic, and warm spices makes this recipe a true favorite in my collection. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of Lebanon right at home!
Print
Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling and Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful Lebanese-inspired recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a zesty lemon garlic mixture with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Perfectly grilled or baked, this dish offers a vibrant and healthy option that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs.
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, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken pieces to the marinade. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though marinating overnight enhances the flavors significantly.
- Preheat Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cook the Chicken: For grilling, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For baking, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the cooked chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight if possible for deeper flavor penetration.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it based on your preference for heat.
- This recipe works equally well with chicken breasts or thighs.
- Serve with rice, salad, or flatbread for a complete meal.
