Description
This Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken, inspired by the popular dish at Al Aseel, features tender marinated chicken in a bold lemon-garlic yogurt marinade, then smothered in a garlicky lemon yogurt sauce. Serve it with warm pita bread and Fattoush for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 500g/1lb chicken tenderloin (or breast), cut into 4cm/1.5″ squares
- Marinade:
- 4 tbsp Greek or plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic, finely grated or crushed (~4 big cloves)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cooking salt (1/2 tsp table salt, 1 1/4 tsp flakes)
- Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek or plain yogurt (full fat)
- 3/4 tsp garlic, finely grated or crushed (~1 clove)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp tahini (or extra 1 tbsp olive oil)
- 1 tbsp+ water
- 1 tsp cooking salt (1/2 tsp table salt, 1 1/4 tsp flakes)
- Cooking & Serving:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 tsp parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges and extra virgin olive oil, for garnish
- Lebanese bread for sauce mopping
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by mixing the marinade ingredients and tossing the chicken in it. Refrigerate for 12 – 24 hours.
- Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and set aside for at least 1 hour to allow the garlic flavor to meld.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat. Cook half the chicken for 1 1/2 – 2 minutes per side until golden, then remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- While the chicken rests, warm the sauce in the microwave for 40 seconds, then whisk it well. Adjust the flavor by adding more lemon or water as needed.
- To serve, spread half of the sauce in a shallow bowl. Transfer the cooked chicken onto the yogurt sauce, then spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with Lebanese bread and enjoy!
Notes
- If using chicken breast, cut the smaller end off and slice the rest lengthwise before cutting into 4cm/1.5″ squares.
- The chicken can marinate for up to 48 hours, but 24 hours is ideal.
- If you prefer, you can substitute tahini with extra olive oil for a smoother texture without the sesame flavor.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be made ahead by marinating the chicken and preparing the sauce the day before.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 90mg