🍋 Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken
📝 Description
Golden-seared chicken pieces tossed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, then finished with a creamy, slightly tangy garlic topping. It’s bold, zesty, and deeply savory—perfect with rice or flatbread.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Chicken:
- 700g boneless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons 🍋
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Cream (Toum-style shortcut):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 2–3 garlic cloves (finely crushed)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
👩🍳 Instructions
- Marinate the chicken
Mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). - Cook the chicken
Heat a pan over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken pieces until golden and slightly crispy on the outside (about 6–8 minutes), turning occasionally. - Add extra flavor
Pour in a splash of lemon juice during the last minute and let it sizzle into a glossy sauce. - Prepare garlic cream
Mix mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. - Assemble
Plate the chicken, drizzle generously with garlic cream, and sprinkle parsley on top. Add lemon wedges around.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with garlic rice, pita bread, or flatbread
- Pair with cucumber yogurt salad or fattoush
- Add fries for a Lebanese street-food style plate
💡 Tips
- Use chicken thighs for juiciness (breast can dry out)
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—get that golden sear
- For authentic flavor, blend garlic sauce instead of mixing
❓ Q&A
Q: What is “toum”?
A traditional Lebanese garlic sauce made from garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt—very strong and creamy.
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, then broil for color.
Q: How do I make it more authentic?
Use a food processor to emulsify real toum instead of the mayo shortcut.
