Description
Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken is a bright, zesty, and savory dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and Middle Eastern spices. It’s simple to make yet packed with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, breasts, or drumsticks)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika (if using), oregano, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes.
- Place chicken pieces in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat oven or grill to medium-high heat. If baking, lightly grease a baking dish.
- Arrange marinated chicken in the baking dish or on the grill. Cook for 20–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Notes
For extra tenderness, add 2 tbsp of plain yogurt to the marinade.Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier results, but breasts and drumsticks work well too.Grilling adds a smoky flavor—perfect for summer meals.Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the brightest flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.This dish is great for meal prep—slice leftovers for wraps or salads.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
