A flavorful marinade inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, perfect for enhancing chicken dishes.
Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
Using fresh garlic enhances the flavor of the marinade significantly.
Zest and juice the lemon, collecting both the zest and juice in a mixing bowl.
Zesting the lemon before juicing makes the process easier and ensures you get the most zest.
Combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, cinnamon, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and cumin in the mixing bowl.
Whisking the ingredients thoroughly ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Use the marinade to coat your chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly covered. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Cook the marinated chicken using your preferred method, such as grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.