Zesty Lebanese Lemon-Garlic Chicken Marinade 🍋🧄 | Grilled Perfection!

Lebanese Chicken Marinade 🍗

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Marinating Time: 3 hours or overnight
Yield: 2/3 cup of marinade

Description:

This Lebanese Chicken Marinade recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Southwest Asia (Middle East) straight to your kitchen! 🌍 Perfect for 5 chicken breast halves or 10 drumsticks/thighs, this marinade infuses your poultry with a tantalizing blend of garlic, lemon, olive oil, and a touch of aromatic spices. Marinate your chicken for at least 3 hours (or overnight for an extra burst of flavor), then fire up the grill or broiler for a mouthwatering meal! The approximate cooking time varies, around 25 minutes depending on the size and cut of your chicken pieces.

Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic 🧄
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 🍋
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 🍂
• 1 teaspoon hot paprika 🌶️
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 🌿
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 🌶️

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

   • In a bowl or food processor, combine garlic cloves, salt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, cinnamon, hot paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

2. Blend Until Smooth:

   • Whisk vigorously or use a food processor/blender until the ingredients form a smooth, fragrant marinade. The aromas will transport you to the bustling markets of Lebanon! 💃

3. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Place your chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
   • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken for optimal flavor penetration.

4. Chill and Marinate:

   • Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
   • Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. For an even richer taste, marinate overnight. Patience is key! 🕰️

5. Grill or Broil:

   • When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
   • Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess.
   • Grill or broil the chicken until it’s cooked through and beautifully charred, about 12-15 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the pieces.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, if desired.
   • Serve your Lebanese-inspired chicken hot off the grill with a side of fragrant rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad. Don’t forget the extra lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish! 🍽️

Recipe Notes:

• Customize the Spice Level:

  • Adjust the amount of hot paprika and cayenne pepper to suit your spice preferences. For a milder marinade, reduce the quantities. If you love a fiery kick, feel free to add a bit more!

• Make-Ahead Tip:

  • You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs!

• Versatile Marinade:

  • This flavorful marinade isn’t just for chicken! Try it with lamb chops, shrimp skewers, or even grilled vegetables for a delicious twist. The possibilities are endless! 🌟

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 459.3
• Total Fat: 41.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1752.5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6.8g
  • Sugar: 5.4g
• Protein: 2.8g

Cooking Times Table:

🌟 Enjoy your flavorful Lebanese Chicken with this zesty marinade! It’s a taste of the Mediterranean right in your own home! Bon Appétit! 🍗✨