Experience the perfect harmony of spices and citrus with this Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken. Each bite is infused with the warmth of Middle Eastern spices, a bold punch of garlic, and the refreshing brightness of lemon, making it a truly irresistible dish.
This chicken recipe is not just incredibly flavorful but also wonderfully easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Serve it alongside fragrant rice, fresh salads, or warm flatbreads for a meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Lebanon.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1.2 kg (2.6 lb) chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless
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1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp ground cumin
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1/2 tsp ground coriander
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1/2 tsp allspice
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1/4 tsp cinnamon
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, allspice, cinnamon, and cayenne.
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Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
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Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
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Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is deeply golden and cooked through.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating) | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating)
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken: A Journey Through Flavor and Tradition
When you think of Lebanese cuisine, your mind likely floods with images of vibrant colors, bold flavors, and rich aromas. Among the culinary gems of Lebanon, Lemon Garlic Chicken, known popularly from places like Al Aseel restaurants, shines brightly. This dish embodies the heart of Middle Eastern cooking: simple ingredients, layered flavors, and a deep love for hospitality and family gatherings.
This beloved chicken recipe isn’t just another roasted chicken it’s a sensory experience. Tender, juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a powerful yet balanced combination of fresh lemon, aromatic garlic, and a tapestry of warm spices. The result? A dish that is at once tangy, savory, slightly smoky, and incredibly satisfying.
The Cultural Significance of Lebanese Chicken Dishes
Lebanese food is about more than taste it’s about tradition, family, and celebration. In Lebanon, meals are often large, lively affairs where several dishes are brought to the table in a style called “mezze”. Though many mezze dishes are small, vibrant plates of dips, salads, and small bites, mains like Lemon Garlic Chicken often take center stage during larger gatherings or family dinners.
Chicken dishes, specifically, play a huge role in Lebanese homes. From grilled skewers (shish taouk) to slow-cooked stews, poultry is favored for its versatility and its ability to carry bold marinades. Lemon Garlic Chicken, in particular, is a wonderful reflection of Lebanese culinary philosophy: start with good quality ingredients, treat them with care, and enhance their natural flavors with thoughtfully selected spices.
The Beauty of the Marinade
What makes this Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken so special is the marinade a potent, fragrant bath that penetrates deep into the meat. Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides acidity to tenderize the chicken and brighten the overall flavor. Garlic, used generously, brings an earthy robustness that Lebanese cuisine is famous for.
Spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and allspice add complexity without overwhelming the palate. Each spice contributes a subtle note: cumin for smokiness, coriander for citrusy warmth, paprika for color and sweetness, cinnamon for an underlying warmth, and allspice for a hint of depth and exoticness. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Marination is key ideally, the chicken should marinate for several hours or even overnight. This not only ensures the flavors fully penetrate the meat but also results in an exceptionally juicy and tender final dish.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken
Although some traditional Lebanese recipes involve grilling the chicken over open flames, the Al Aseel-style Lemon Garlic Chicken is often roasted. Roasting intensifies the flavors, allowing the marinade to caramelize slightly while locking in moisture.
The high heat of the oven produces crispy, golden edges while keeping the interior of the chicken succulent. During the cooking process, the oils and juices meld with the spices, creating a natural, aromatic sauce that coats every piece. Finishing the dish with a handful of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of freshness and color, a typical move in Lebanese presentations.
Some cooks prefer to broil the chicken briefly at the end to achieve an extra layer of charred flavor, closely mimicking the smoky flavor of grilled meat, but without losing the convenience of oven roasting.
What to Serve with Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken
One of the wonderful things about this dish is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with a variety of classic Middle Eastern sides:
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Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with a hint of vermicelli and seasoned lightly to absorb the chicken’s bold flavors.
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Tabbouleh: A fresh parsley salad with bulgur, tomatoes, mint, and lemon dressing that cuts through the richness.
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Hummus and Baba Ganoush: Creamy dips that add texture and complementary flavors to the meal.
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Pita Bread: Essential for scooping up tender pieces of chicken and any leftover juices.
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Pickles and Olives: Traditional Middle Eastern condiments that add brightness and crunch to the plate.
A meal built around this Lemon Garlic Chicken transforms an ordinary dinner into a colorful, satisfying feast.
Health Benefits of This Dish
Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken isn’t just delicious it’s packed with health benefits:
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Lean Protein: Chicken thighs provide a great source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
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Heart-Healthy Ingredients: Olive oil, a key ingredient in the marinade, is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
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Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Garlic is celebrated for its immune-boosting properties, while spices like turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon are known for their antioxidant content.
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Low in Added Sugars and Processed Ingredients: Unlike many restaurant dishes, this homemade version uses whole, fresh foods without unnecessary additives.
With simple adjustments, like reducing the oil or using skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, it can also fit into many low-fat or heart-healthy diets without sacrificing flavor.
Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken Around the World
Lebanese cuisine has a long history of traveling far from its homeland, carried by waves of immigration and cultural sharing. In countries like Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Lebanese food has gained a devoted following, with restaurants like Al Aseel bringing authentic recipes to enthusiastic new audiences.
This particular Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe has become especially popular because it appeals to a wide variety of palates. It’s not too spicy for sensitive eaters, yet it’s far from bland. Its combination of familiar and exotic flavors makes it accessible to newcomers while still delivering the authenticity that Lebanese cuisine demands.
Why You Should Make This at Home
While it’s tempting to leave such vibrant dishes to restaurant chefs, this Lemon Garlic Chicken is surprisingly easy to make at home. With only a few basic ingredients and a bit of marinating time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Making it yourself means you can tweak it to your preference:
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Love garlic? Add more!
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Prefer it spicier? Increase the cayenne or add a few chili flakes.
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Want a lighter dish? Serve it with a lemony salad instead of rice.
Homemade Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken allows you to bring a taste of Lebanon right into your kitchen, enriching your culinary repertoire with a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting.
Conclusion:
Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken is more than just a meal it’s an experience of tradition, flavor, and community. It’s a dish that tells a story: of ancient spice routes, bustling markets filled with fresh produce, and families gathering around tables to share good food and good company.
Whether you are cooking for a simple family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests at a special gathering, this recipe delivers every time. Its mouthwatering aroma, bold yet balanced flavors, and nourishing ingredients make it a must-have in any cook’s rotation.