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Lemon Garlic Chicken with Creamy Yogurt Sauce Your New Go-To Middle Eastern-Inspired Dinner

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450
A flavorful and easy Middle Eastern-inspired chicken dish featuring marinated chicken topped with a creamy lemon garlic yogurt sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 4 tablespoons plain or Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, finely grated or pressed (about 4 cloves)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/2 teaspoon table salt

For the Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 cup full-fat Greek or plain yogurt
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic, finely grated or pressed (about 1 clove)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon tahini or an extra tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon water (add more as needed to thin the sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/4 teaspoon table salt

For Cooking and Serving

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley or a mix of parsley and mint

Lemon wedges, for garnish

Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Lebanese flatbread or pita, for serving

Instructions 

  • Combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Toss chicken pieces to coat, refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
  • Whisk yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, water, and salt in a bowl. Rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
  • Remove chicken from marinade, cook in a hot skillet with olive oil for 1.5-2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest for 2 minutes.
  • Warm the sauce briefly in microwave, whisk again, and adjust with lemon juice or water as needed.
  • Serve chicken topped with sauce, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle herbs, and garnish with lemon wedges. Accompany with flatbread or pita.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderization.
Calories: 450kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: chicken, Lemon, yogurt