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Dajaj Mishwi recipe

Lebanese Grilled Chicken Recipe

Traditional Lebanese grilled chicken marinated in a blend of lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and warm spices, then grilled.
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: lebanese
Calories: 261

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pieces chicken breast or leg quarters with skin on and bone in
  • 1 head garlic peeled (10-12 cloves)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice about 3-4 lemons
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar divided: 1/2 cup for rinsing, 1/2 cup for marinade
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Lebanese seven spices baharat
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon plus extra for initial rub
For Serving
  • Toum Lebanese garlic sauce
  • Warm pita bread
  • Lemon wedges

Method
 

  1. Clean the chicken by rubbing with cinnamon and vinegar, then rinse and dry.
  2. Make deep cuts in each piece so the marinade soaks in better.
  3. Prepare a marinade with garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt, Lebanese seven spices, and cinnamon.
  4. Coat the chicken thoroughly, making sure the marinade gets into the cuts.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
  6. Before grilling, let chicken sit out for 30 minutes and preheat grill to medium heat.
  7. Grill chicken skin-side up first, placing fattier cuts closer to the heat.
  8. Flip every 2–3 minutes and baste often with leftover marinade to keep it juicy and flavorful.
  9. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is golden with light char.
  10. Leave it for 5 minutes, then serve with toum, pita bread, and lemon wedges.

Notes

Equipment

  • Large bowl or baking dish
  • Sharp knife for scoring
  • Grill (charcoal preferred, gas works too)
  • Basting brush
  • Meat thermometer
Nutrition (per serving):
  • Calories: 261
  • Fat: 27g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Rich in protein when served with proper chicken portions
  • Contains beneficial garlic compounds