Lebanese Chicken with Garlic, Lemon, and Warm Spices Recipe
Introduction
Lebanese Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines juicy, tender chicken with a vibrant marinade of garlic, lemon, and warm spices. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 4 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 80 ml fresh lemon juice (from about 2 large lemons)
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- A small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt until the marinade emulsifies and thickens slightly.
- Step 2: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. Add the chicken to the marinade and use your hands to massage the marinade thoroughly into every piece.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Scatter the sliced onions across the bottom of a baking dish and arrange the marinated chicken pieces skin-side up on top, without crowding.
- Step 5: Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after roasting. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for added brightness.
Tips & Variations
- Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Use a mix of thighs and drumsticks for optimal juiciness and variety.
- For extra crispy skin, make sure the chicken is completely dry before marinating.
- Serve over fluffy basmati rice or with warm pita to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months, though the skin may lose some texture upon reheating. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain juiciness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
While boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, bone-in, skin-on pieces are recommended for maximum flavor and moistness. The bones help keep the meat juicy and the skin crisps up nicely.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 2 hours is essential for good flavor. However, marinating overnight or up to 8 hours will give even better results with deeper seasoning and tender meat.
Print
Lebanese Chicken with Garlic, Lemon, and Warm Spices Recipe
- Total Time: About 3 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lebanese Chicken is a vibrant, aromatic dish featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken marinated in a blend of garlic, lemon, and warm Mediterranean spices. Roasted at high heat to develop golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, this recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with rice, salad, or flatbread for a complete Mediterranean feast.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 kg bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
Marinade
- 4 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 80 ml fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
Other
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- A small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt until the mixture emulsifies into a vibrant reddish-orange marinade with a fragrant Mediterranean aroma.
- Marinate Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin during roasting. Add the chicken to the marinade bowl and use your hands to thoroughly massage the marinade into every piece, ensuring full coverage.
- Rest and Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally up to 8 hours or overnight, to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Lay the thinly sliced onion evenly on the bottom of a baking dish to create a flavorful bed for the chicken and prevent sticking.
- Arrange Chicken and Roast: Place the marinated chicken pieces skin-side up on the onion bed, ensuring they are spaced out to avoid overcrowding. Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Onions below should be soft and caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices for maximum tenderness. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken is essential for optimal flavor and moisture retention.
- Don’t skip the marinating time; at least 2 hours is necessary for deep flavor infusion.
- Mince garlic finely or use a garlic press to create a paste-like marinade texture that coats chicken well.
- Allow chicken to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before roasting for even cooking.
- Patting the chicken dry before marinating helps achieve crispy, caramelized skin.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking dish to prevent steaming and ensure crispy skin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Keywords: Lebanese Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken, Garlic Lemon Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Bone-in Chicken Recipe, Easy Lebanese Recipes
