Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken is your new weeknight hero—zesty, juicy, and packed with flavor! This Middle Eastern favorite is all about bright citrus, punchy garlic, and warm spices coming together in perfect harmony. It’s incredibly easy to make, and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing as it bakes. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers a bold, savory punch without any fuss. Pair it with rice, a fresh salad, or warm pita for a cozy, crave-worthy meal that feels restaurant-worthy—but way simpler.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors with minimal effort, this Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken is going to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients, but the flavor is anything but basic. The marinade does all the heavy lifting—just mix, pour, and bake! It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein, making it great for a variety of dietary needs. Plus, it’s super versatile: serve it over rice, in wraps, or with roasted veggies. Bonus: it’s totally meal-prep friendly and reheats like a dream.

Ingredients

This Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (about 1 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (optional, for baking or serving)

For Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3 cups neutral oil (sunflower or canola)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2–4 tablespoons ice water, as needed

Instructions

This recipe is super easy and beginner-friendly. The marinade does most of the work, so you can sit back and enjoy the aromas while it bakes!

1. Prep the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin crisp up in the oven.
2. Make the Marinade:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate:
   Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat well. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
4. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Bake:
   Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in a baking dish or on a sheet pan. Add lemon slices on top if you like an extra lemony kick. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. It’s perfect with rice, couscous, or a fresh green salad.

For Instructions Lebanese Garlic Sauce :

• 1.Add garlic and salt to a food processor. Blend until finely minced. Scrape down the sides.

• 2. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the oil in a very thin stream, alternating with the lemon juice. This process should be slow to form a stable emulsion.

• 3. If the mixture is too thick, add ice water one tablespoon at a time until smooth and fluffy.

• 4 .Blend until the sauce is light, creamy, and well emulsified.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes enough for about 4 servings , depending on portion size and sides. It’s ideal for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Here’s a quick timing breakdown:

• Pr10 min
• Marinat30 min
• Cook time: 35–40 minutes
• Total timeAbout 45 m

Storage

This dish stores well and is ideal for leftovers or meal prep. Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtightStore in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap portions tightly or store in freezer- safe containers.You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap portions tightly or store in freezer-safe containers.
• Reheating: Reheat in theReheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave if you’re short on time. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

FAQ – Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken

1. Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
   Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking—start checking at 25 minutes.
2. Do I have to marinate the chicken?,
   Marinating is highly recommended for best flavor, but if you’re short on time, even 15–20 minutes can make a difference.
3. Is this recipe spicy? No, it’s flavorful but not spicy. You can
   No, it’s flavorful but not spicy. You can add chili flakes or cayenne if you prefer heat.
4. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
   Yes. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 4–5 minutes per side, then cover and cook on low until done.
5. What sides go well with this?
   Rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or a cucumber-yogurt salad pair well with the bold flavors.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes. Marinate the chicken up to a day in advance, or cook it fully and reheat as needed throughout the week.
7. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any sides or accompaniments also meet your dietary needs.

Conclusion

This Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a little taste of tradition, warmth, and home. I still remember the first time I smelled garlic sizzling in olive oil with lemon and spices in my grandmother’s kitchen. That scent alone could bring together the whole family. She never wrote down a recipe—just cooked by heart, with simple ingredients and so much care. This version captures that same spirit: bold, comforting, and full of soul.

Now it’s your turn. Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or just a cozy night in, I hope this dish brings your kitchen to life the way it always has in mine.

Enjoy every bite! 🧄🍋🍗
Let me know how it turns out—or if you put your own spin on it!

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