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Lebanese lemon garlic chicken on a plate with warm yogurt sauce and fresh parsley

Lebanese Lemon Garlic Chicken - Al Aseel Copycat

Tender yogurt-marinated chicken smothered in a silky lemon garlic yogurt sauce. A stunning copycat of the Al Aseel restaurant signature dish in Sydney, ready in under 30 minutes of active cooking.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinate (min) 12 hours
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • MARINADE
  • 1 lb chicken tenderloin or breast cut into 1.5 inch squares, large tendon removed
  • 4 tbsp Greek or plain yogurt
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp garlic, finely grated about 4 large cloves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher or cooking salt or 1/2 tsp table salt
  • LEMON GARLIC YOGURT SAUCE
  • 1 cup full-fat Greek or plain yogurt full fat is essential
  • 3/4 tsp garlic, finely grated about 1 clove
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp tahini, hulled or extra 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp water, plus more to loosen
  • 1 tsp kosher or cooking salt or 1/2 tsp table salt
  • TO COOK AND SERVE
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • lemon wedges and extra virgin olive oil for garnish
  • Lebanese bread for serving

Equipment

  • Large non-stick pan
  • mixing bowls
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Garlic press or microplane
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Mix all marinade ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Add the chicken pieces and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. The minimum is 3 hours but overnight gives the best result.
  2. At the same time as the marinade, whisk all sauce ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl until fully smooth. Set aside for at least 1 hour or overnight alongside the chicken to allow the garlic to mellow and the flavors to develop.
  3. Drain excess marinade from the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat until the oil just begins to shimmer.
  4. Place half the chicken in the pan in a single uncrowded layer. Cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until deep golden. Remove to a plate. Do not crowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of sear.
  5. Wipe loose burnt bits from the pan with paper towel. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the second batch the same way. Rest all chicken for 2 minutes.
  6. While the chicken rests, microwave the sauce for about 40 seconds until warm but not hot. Whisk well. Taste and adjust with a little more lemon juice for brightness or more water to loosen.
  7. Spread half the sauce across the bottom of a shallow serving bowl. Arrange the chicken on top using a spatula. Spoon the remaining sauce over everything. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a scatter of fresh parsley. Serve immediately with Lebanese bread and lemon wedges.

Notes

Full-fat yogurt is essential in the sauce. Low-fat yogurt goes watery when warmed. Cook chicken in two separate batches so each piece sears golden rather than steaming. Raw chicken can be frozen inside the marinade and will marinate as it thaws overnight in the refrigerator. Tahini can be substituted with an extra tablespoon of olive oil. Do not overheat the sauce in the microwave or it may turn grainy.
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