Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken – Al Aseel Copycat

There’s something undeniably enticing about the aroma of garlic and lemon wafting through the kitchen. This Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken – Al Aseel Copycat is a delightful dish that takes just a little bit of prep time but delivers bold flavors that capture the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. The secret to its success lies in the zesty marinade that infuses the chicken with a bright, tangy flavor, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress family or friends with a homemade meal that transports them to a Lebanese eatery. Ideal for a weekend dinner or a special weeknight treat, the chicken can marinate ahead of time, making it convenient for busy schedules.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and tender chicken pieces coated in a vibrant marinade.
• The garlic and lemon bring a punchy flavor that’s irresistible.
• A creamy yogurt sauce perfectly complements the grilled chicken.
• Quick to prepare, with minimal cleanup needed.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dish:

For the Chicken Marinade

• 500g chicken tenderloin, cut into 4cm squares
• 4 tbsp Greek or plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp garlic, finely grated or crushed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cooking salt

For the Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup Greek or plain yogurt
• 3/4 tsp garlic, finely grated or crushed
• 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

For Cooking and Serving

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp parsley, roughly chopped
• Lemon wedges, for garnish
• Extra virgin olive oil, for garnish
• Lebanese bread, for sauce mopping

Note: Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess; regular yogurt works too.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken breast can replace tenderloin.
• Use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
• Any oil can substitute for olive oil.
• Serve with pita if Lebanese bread is unavailable.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to create a flavorful dish everyone will love.

Combine

In a large bowl, mix the chicken with the lemon garlic marinade ingredients. Ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare

While the chicken marinates, mix all the yogurt sauce ingredients together in another bowl, adjusting the consistency with additional water as needed.

Heat

Heat olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side.

Serve

Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Serve with the yogurt sauce drizzled on top, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges. Enjoy with Lebanese bread for sauce mopping.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the yogurt sauce doesn’t freeze well.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat for about 5-10 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Allow the chicken to marinate longer for more intense flavor.
• Use a grill pan for those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor.
• Adjust the garlic in the yogurt sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• Squeeze extra lemon over the chicken just before serving for brightness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh tabbouleh salad for a light meal.
• Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a complete dinner.
• Offer as an appetizer with pita and dipping oil for gatherings.