Imagine a dish that transports you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with just one bite - a succulent chicken recipe that combines the warm, earthy notes of cumin with bright, zesty lemon. This isn't just another chicken dish; this is a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your home cooking and impress everyone with this incredibly easy yet restaurant-worthy Chicken with Cumin and Lemon!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix ground cumin, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Rub the marinade thoroughly over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both sides and underneath the skin.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even browning.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes without moving, allowing the skin to become golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry meat.
- Moisture Management: Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning. This crucial step guarantees crispy, golden-brown skin that's packed with flavor.
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Allow the cumin, garlic, and lemon to penetrate the meat for maximum taste.
- Pan Perfection: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to achieve that beautiful, even browning that seals in juices.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Give each chicken thigh space in the pan to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Resting Ritual: Let the chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 272kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
