If you’re a chicken lover, then you don’t want to miss this delicious: Lemon Garlic Chicken! With just a handful of pantry staples and some juicy bone-in chicken, we’re about to hit a meal that will have you licking your fingers clean.
Tender chicken leg quarters, nestled alongside golden potatoes, all infused with the aromatic goodness of garlic, onion, and a hint of zesty lemon. Seasoned to perfection with a dash of paprika, coriander, and a sprinkle of turmeric for that extra pop of flavor.
And let’s not forget our trusty sidekick, extra virgin olive oil, bringing it all together in one mouthwatering masterpiece.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Edition!
The Story Behind Lemon Garlic Chicken
Believed to have its roots in Mediterranean cuisine, Lemon Garlic Chicken is a harmonious blend of ingredients that have stood the test of time.
Garlic, with its pungent aroma and robust flavor, has been a staple in kitchens around the world for centuries. Pair it with the bright, citrusy tang of lemon, and you’ve got a perfect match!
Historically, garlic has been revered for its medicinal properties, believed to boost immunity and promote overall health.
Lemon, too, was prized for its high vitamin C content and refreshing taste. As trade routes expanded and culinary influences mingled, these ingredients found their way into countless dishes, including the beloved lemon garlic chicken.
Over time, variations of this dish have emerged, each reflecting the unique flavors and traditions of the regions where it’s prepared. Whether it’s roasted to perfection in a Mediterranean kitchen or grilled over an open flame in a backyard barbecue, lemon garlic chicken has become a beloved staple in households worldwide.
It’s not just a meal—it’s a taste of the past, present, and future, all in one delicious bite.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Fix!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No need to spend hours working hard in the kitchen. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.
Don’t have chicken leg quarters? No problem! You can easily adapt this recipe to use whatever cuts of chicken you have on hand, whether it’s breasts, thighs, or wings. Plus, feel free to mix up the seasonings to suit your taste preferences or experiment with different side dishes to complement the flavors.
Whether you are cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, Lemon Garlic Chicken is sure to please even the toughest critics. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the lemon and spices, this dish not only tastes great but also nourishes your body from the inside out. Plus, using extra virgin olive oil adds a dose of heart-healthy fats to round out the meal.
Sizzle Your Way to Happiness!
Ingredients
Bone-in chicken
Potatoes
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Coriander powder
Black pepper
Salt
Turmeric
Extra virgin olive oil
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
Garlic cloves
Lemon juice
Extra virgin olive oil
Cold water
Aleppo pepper
Scroll for the entire recipe details and instructions.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Party in Your Mouth
Steps to Prep
First of all, clean the chicken and pat it dry using a paper towel.
Now, add it to a 9×13 pan that’s lined with parchment paper before adding the peeled potatoes.
Then, mix the garlic and onion powder, paprika, coriander, salt, black pepper, and turmeric.
Next, sprinkle the spice mixture all over the chicken and potatoes, making sure to get it under the skin.
After that, drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil and rub it all over.
Finally, bake in a preheated oven at 425℉ for 40 minutes, uncovered.
Garlic Lemon Sauce:
First, crush the garlic using a mortar and pestle. Alternatively, you can mince it as well, but it releases less garlic flavor.
Then, add the crushed garlic to a bowl along with the water, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and Aleppo pepper. You could also zest some lemon for extra flavor.
Next, Pour this all over the chicken and potatoes, and cover with aluminum foil.
Now, return to the oven for another 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken reads an internal temperature of 165℉.
Finally, broil for a minute or two to crisp up the skin and enjoy with pita bread.
Variations
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Instead of using bone-in chicken leg quarters, you can opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. These cuts cook faster and are less likely to dry out. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Custom Seasoning Blend: Feel free to get creative with your seasoning blend. Add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes for some heat. Alternatively, incorporate herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a fresh twist.
Substitutions
Vegetarian Option: Transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by substituting the chicken with hearty vegetables. Cauliflower florets, sliced zucchini, or bell peppers work well. Toss the veggies in the lemon garlic marinade and roast until tender and caramelized.
Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, ensure that your spices are certified gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free flour or corn starch as a thickener for sauces if needed.
Dairy-Free: Omit any dairy ingredients like butter or cream to make this recipe dairy-free. Instead, use a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or margarine for sautéing, and skip the creamy sauce option.
Low-Carb Option: If you’re watching your carb intake, serve the Lemon Garlic Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad instead of potatoes. You’ll still get all the flavor without the extra carbs.
Garlic Lovers, Rejoice
Tips and Tricks
For maximum flavor infusion, allow the chicken to marinate in the lemon garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Before cooking, let the marinated chicken come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures more even cooking throughout the meat.
If you prefer crispy chicken skin, start by cooking the chicken skin-side down in a hot skillet or on a grill to render the fat and achieve a golden brown crust. Finish cooking it through in the oven or on indirect heat.
Don’t let those flavorful pan drippings go to waste! Use them to make a delicious sauce by deglazing the pan with some chicken broth, then simmering until reduced and thickened.
Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the lemon garlic chicken for a pop of color.
Leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken makes for tasty sandwiches, wraps, salads, or pasta dishes the next day. Shred or slice the chicken and incorporate it into your favorite recipes for a quick and delicious meal.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration
Leftovers: Store any leftover garlic lemon chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Optimal Storage Duration: Consume within this time frame to ensure quality and safety.
Store the chicken in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back of the bottom shelf, to maintain a consistent temperature.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze Raw: If you have extra uncooked chicken, prepare the marinade (including lemon slices and garlic) and toss everything into a gallon-sized freezer bag with the chicken. Squish the ingredients around and remove as much air as possible. Seal the bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Freeze Cooked Chicken: To extend the life of cooked chicken, freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cooked chicken in a skillet on the stovetop until it is warmed through.
Lemony Goodness Alert
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can. Adjust cooking time accordingly as boneless chicken cooks faster.
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to roast or grill it just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
Other Recipes You Might Like:
- Chicken Kafta Skewers
- Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
- The Best and Easiest Chili
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Greek Chicken Rice Bowls
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Chicken and Spinach Stew
- Ful Medames Recipe (Stewed Fava Beans)
- Authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
- Mulukhiyah Stew (Jute Mallow Stew)
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Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 3½ pounds bone-in chicken about 6 leg quarters
- 3 large potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 10 cloves garlic
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon aleppo pepper
Instructions
- Clean the chicken and pat it dry using a paper towel. Add it to a 9×13 pan that’s lined with parchment paper. Add the peeled potatoes.
- Mix the garlic and onion powder, paprika, coriander, salt, black pepper, and turmeric.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the chicken and potatoes, making sure to get it under the skin.
- Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil and rub it all over.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425℉ for 40 minutes, uncovered.
For the Garlic Lemon Sauce
- Crush the garlic using a mortar and pestle, or you can mince it as well, but it releases less garlic flavor.
- Add the crushed garlic to a bowl along with the water, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and aleppo pepper.
- You could also zest some lemon for extra flavor.
- Pour this all over the chicken and potatoes, and cover with aluminum foil.
- Return to the oven for another 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken reads an internal temperature of 165℉.
- Broil for a minute or two to crisp up the skin and enjoy with pita bread.
Notes
- Allow the chicken to marinate in the lemon garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
- Whether you’re roasting or grilling the chicken, make sure your cooking surface (oven or grill) is preheated before adding the chicken.
- Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- If you prefer crispy chicken skin, start by cooking the chicken skin-side down in a hot skillet or on a grill to render the fat and achieve a golden brown crust
- Don’t let those flavorful pan drippings go to waste! Use them to make a delicious sauce by deglazing the pan with some chicken broth, then simmering until reduced and thickened.
This recipe is so incredibly delicious and very simple to follow. All of the flavors marry so well and the potatoes end up tasting like fondant potatoes. I ended up multiplying the recipe and it was still great. Such a good start to Ramadan. Thank you for a wonderful recipe!
Made this last night and making again today. Was a hit with everyone , so tangy and yummy. Reminds me exactly of how my mom use to make
This is one of the best chicken recipes! It’s a go to in our house because it’s so easy to make and tastes so good. It’s a def must try!