Description

Holy Yum Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and fresh lemon juice. This quick and easy recipe locks in moisture for succulent bites, balanced with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Marinade

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Garnish (optional)

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk together thoroughly to create a vibrant and aromatic marinade that will infuse the chicken with bold flavors.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, allowing the spices to deeply penetrate the meat for enhanced taste and tenderness.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat or preheat a grill. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown, cooked through, and juicy. The high heat will create a flavorful crust while locking in moisture.
Rest and Garnish: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro on top to add freshness and vibrant color before serving.

Notes

Marinate longer (up to 4 hours) for deeper flavor and tenderness.
Use chicken thighs for juicier results compared to breasts.
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a perfect sear.
Adjust cayenne pepper gradually to control spice level according to your taste.
Allow chicken to rest after cooking to retain juiciness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet cooking or grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: chicken, spicy chicken, easy dinner, quick recipe, Mediterranean chicken, marinated chicken, healthy chicken