This Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken is a vibrant, restaurant-style dish you can create effortlessly at home. Marinated in a zesty garlic yogurt mix, the chicken turns out juicy and deeply flavorful with every bite. And that warm, creamy lemon garlic sauce? Pure magic.
Perfect with fluffy rice or tucked into pillowy Lebanese bread, this dish is a feast of flavors: tangy, garlicky, creamy, and irresistibly good. Whether you’re entertaining or cooking up a weeknight dinner, this Al Aseel-inspired recipe will become a go-to favorite.
Full Recipe:
For the Chicken & Marinade:
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500g (1 lb) chicken tenderloin or breast, cut into 4cm (1.5 inch) squares
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4 tbsp Greek or plain full-fat yogurt
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3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tbsp garlic, finely grated (~4 large cloves)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp kosher salt
For the Warm Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
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1 cup Greek or plain full-fat yogurt
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¾ tsp garlic, finely grated (~1 clove)
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp tahini (or substitute with 1 tbsp olive oil)
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1–2 tbsp water, to thin
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1 tsp kosher salt
For Cooking & Serving:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp chopped parsley or mint
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Lemon wedges and extra olive oil for garnish
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Lebanese flatbread or warm pita
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Toss chicken in marinade and refrigerate for 12–24 hours.
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Combine sauce ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl, whisk thoroughly, and let sit at room temperature or refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Cook half the chicken in a single layer for 1½–2 minutes per side until golden. Set aside and repeat with remaining chicken.
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Let cooked chicken rest for 2 minutes. While resting, warm the sauce in the microwave for 30–40 seconds. Whisk again to smooth.
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To serve, spread half of the sauce on a shallow plate. Place chicken on top, spoon over remaining sauce, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle chopped herbs.
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Serve hot with warm Lebanese bread or rice.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Origins of the Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken, often known by fans as the “Al Aseel-style chicken,” is a dish rooted in the vibrant and aromatic traditions of Levantine cuisine. It is a perfect example of how Lebanese food masterfully balances freshness, bold spices, and textural contrasts. The star of the dish is tender marinated chicken—typically made from tenderloins or breast—that is bathed in a garlicky yogurt marinade and then cooked until golden. But what truly elevates this dish is the luscious, warm garlic-lemon yogurt sauce poured generously over the top.
This dish was made particularly famous by Al Aseel, a renowned Lebanese restaurant in Sydney, Australia. Their version developed a cult following, turning a humble yogurt-based chicken dish into a must-try experience. The warm sauce may sound unusual to those unfamiliar with Middle Eastern cooking, but it’s a testament to the creativity and cultural depth of Lebanese culinary tradition.
The Secret Behind the Signature Flavor
What makes this dish stand out is the dual-layer approach to flavor: the marinade and the sauce. While many dishes use yogurt solely for tenderizing, in this recipe, it plays multiple roles—infusing flavor, improving texture, and acting as the base for a rich finishing sauce.
The marinade softens the chicken, thanks to the acid in the lemon juice and the enzymes in yogurt. The result is chicken that is not just flavorful on the outside but juicy and infused with flavor throughout. When seared, the yogurt forms a slight crust that locks in moisture while adding a subtle tang.
The sauce, on the other hand, is a luxurious blend of yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, and finely minced garlic. Served warm, it’s creamy but not heavy, tangy without being sour, and full of umami richness. It might surprise those accustomed to cold yogurt sauces, but warming it gently brings out deeper notes and mellows the raw garlic’s sharpness.
A Visual and Textural Delight
Presentation is another reason this dish continues to captivate home cooks and restaurant diners alike. Traditionally, half the sauce is spread onto a plate, creating a silky base for the golden chicken pieces. The remaining sauce is then spooned on top, creating a stunning contrast of colors and textures. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint finish the plate, making it not just a flavorful experience but a visual feast as well.
Because the chicken is often cut into larger chunks or squares, the dish avoids the dryness that can sometimes come with smaller, overcooked pieces. The contrast between the golden exterior and the creamy sauce creates a delightful mouthfeel that’s both light and comforting.
Cultural Significance and Versatility
In Lebanese homes and restaurants alike, lemon and garlic are culinary cornerstones. This dish embodies both in a way that respects tradition while appealing to modern palates. It’s a versatile recipe that pairs well with a range of side dishes—from plain rice or traditional Mejadra (a spiced lentil rice) to flatbreads, Fattoush salads, or even roasted vegetables.
The appeal of Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken also lies in its flexibility. It can serve as a quick weeknight dinner or be scaled up for large gatherings and special occasions. It fits beautifully into mezze-style spreads or can shine as a standalone main course. Because the dish is dairy-heavy but not overly rich, it offers a lighter alternative to cream- or butter-based recipes without compromising on flavor.
Modern-Day Popularity and At-Home Reproduction
Recreating restaurant-level dishes at home is always a challenge, but this recipe is surprisingly straightforward. With the right ingredients and just a bit of planning (thanks to the marinating time), even novice cooks can produce a meal that rivals their favorite takeaway.
What’s more, the rise of food blogs and cooking influencers has brought new visibility to recipes like this one. Many food lovers were first introduced to the dish through social media or word-of-mouth recommendations after trying it at Al Aseel or similar restaurants. This digital exposure has turned a once niche dish into a viral sensation, celebrated on platforms like Instagram and TikTok for its “wow” factor in both flavor and presentation.
As dietary trends shift toward clean eating and globally inspired meals, Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken fits the bill perfectly. It uses whole-food ingredients, is high in protein, and can be adapted for gluten-free, low-carb, or even dairy-free diets with a few thoughtful substitutions.
Tips for Making It Your Own
One of the great strengths of this dish is its adaptability. While chicken tenderloin is ideal for even cooking and presentation, boneless chicken thighs offer a slightly richer flavor. For those looking to make it even more aromatic, a pinch of ground cumin or coriander in the marinade can add depth without straying far from the dish’s essence.
If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, increasing the garlic in the sauce slightly (while letting it rest longer to mellow) can yield excellent results. Conversely, those sensitive to raw garlic can roast the garlic before blending it into the sauce for a sweeter, gentler taste.
You can also explore different plating styles. Instead of the traditional plate smear, try layering the sauce and chicken in a bowl with fluffy rice, pickled onions, and toasted pine nuts for a complete, bowl-style meal. For entertaining, serve the chicken skewered as part of a mezze board alongside hummus, labneh, olives, and grilled vegetables.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
In a world saturated with chicken recipes, this one holds its own by offering something truly different: bold flavor with minimal ingredients, visual appeal with simple plating, and comfort food vibes without the heaviness. It’s a testament to how traditional techniques—like marinating in yogurt or serving warm sauces—can be rediscovered and appreciated by a global audience.
The use of familiar pantry ingredients in unexpected ways (like warming yogurt for a sauce) challenges culinary conventions, reminding us that there’s always more to learn and explore in the kitchen. And while the dish may have gained popularity through a specific restaurant, its roots and inspiration lie in centuries of Lebanese culinary heritage.
Conclusion
Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of flavor, culture, and culinary innovation. From the tangy yogurt marinade to the luxurious warm garlic sauce, every component works in harmony to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s approachable yet impressive, making it a favorite among home cooks, food bloggers, and restaurant chefs alike.
As you bring this dish into your kitchen, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re embracing a piece of Lebanese tradition and making it your own. Whether you serve it with rice, wrap it in pita, or present it as the centerpiece of a family feast, this chicken promises to be a memorable and satisfying experience every time.