Lebanese Charred Chicken Recipe

Lebanese Charred Chicken Breasts are juicy, spiced, and perfectly charred, packed with bold Middle Eastern flavours. Marinated with aromatic spices, garlic, and lemon, then grilled to perfection and finished with fresh herbs and a zesty drizzle. Ideal for weeknight dinners, entertaining friends, or meal planning.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts (approx. 180–200 g each)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice and zest of 2 lemons

• 60 ml extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp ground paprika

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground allspice

• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 200 g Greek yogurt

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp tahini (optional)

• Salt to taste

To Serve:

• Fresh flatbreads or pita

• Lemon wedges

• Fresh herbs (parsley, mint)

• or a light couscous salad

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a large bowl, combine garlic, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, turmeric, black pepper, salt, white wine vinegar, and tomato paste. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2–3 hours for deeper flavour.

3. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Cook the Chicken:
   Preheat a grill, barbecue, or grill pan to medium-high heat.
   Grill chicken breasts for 6–8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. The internal temperature should reach 75°C.
   Optional: Add soaked wood chips to the barbecue for a subtle smoky flavour.

5. Serve:
   Arrange grilled chicken breasts on a platter. Serve with garlic yogurt sauce, flatbreads or pita, lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or a light couscous salad.

Tips:

• Marinating for longer will intensify the flavour.

• For extra char and smoky flavour, use a barbecue.