Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Serving
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced cucumber
- Tomato slices
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley
Optional Sauce
- Garlic sauce (toum) or tzatziki
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients including olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and spices to create a flavorful mixture.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss well to coat every piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 8 to 24 hours to maximize flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat Cooking Equipment: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or alternatively, heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and cooking temperature.
- Arrange Chicken for Cooking: Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the Chicken: Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and slightly charred at the edges. Optionally, for extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then, slice the chicken thinly for serving.
- Serve: Serve the sliced chicken in pita bread, wraps, or bowls topped with fresh vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, and your choice of garlic sauce (toum) or tzatziki for a delicious Middle Eastern meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide the best flavor and juiciness compared to other cuts.
- For crispier edges, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- This recipe is excellent for meal prep as leftovers reheat well.
- Serve alongside hummus or pickled vegetables for a complete Middle Eastern experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Dairy-Free
