Lebanese Chicken Marinade

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant and flavorful Lebanese Chicken Marinade. Infused with a perfect balance of tangy lemon juice, creamy Greek yogurt, and robust olive oil, this marinade is elevated by a fragrant blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, paprika, and a hint of warm cinnamon. Fresh parsley and dried oregano add a herbal brightness, while garlic provides an irresistible depth. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this marinade ensures juicy, tender chicken every time. Whether served with rice pilaf, fluffy pita, or a crisp Lebanese salad, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. Marinate for a minimum of 2 hours—or overnight if you can—for bold, authentic Middle Eastern flavor with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 0.25 cup lemon juice
• 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Greek yogurt until well combined.

Step 2

Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, cinnamon, dried oregano, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything until the marinade is smooth and evenly combined.

Step 3

Place the chicken pieces in the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to thoroughly coat the chicken with the mixture.

Step 4

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade into a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably 6-8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 5

When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

Step 6

Preheat your grill, oven, or pan. For grilling, heat to medium-high; for baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 7

Cook the chicken until fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Grilling will take about 5-7 minutes per side, while baking will take approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 8

Serve the chicken immediately with your choice of sides such as rice pilaf, pita bread, or a fresh Lebanese salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1087.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2084.4

Total Fat 90.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 774.1mg	0%
Sodium 3056.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 15.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.6g	0%
Total Sugars 3.0g
Protein 286.7g	0%

Vitamin D 117.9IU	0%
Calcium 239.3mg	0%
Iron 12.5mg	0%
Potassium 2690.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.3%

Protein: 56.7%

Carbs: 3.0%