Grilled Harissa Chicken

Grilled Harissa Chicken

Thanks to harissa paste, this easy grilled chicken recipe is all the flavor! Slightly sweet, smoky, tangy, and just enough spicy. Serve it over quick-cooked couscous, a side of veggies, or with your favorite Mediterranean salad.

Ingredients

  • boneless

    skinless chicken thighs), (about 2 lb

    8
  • kosher salt
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    10 large
  • red onion

    sliced

    ½
  • coriander
    1 ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    1 ½ tsp
  • smoked paprika)

    (or 1 tsp sweet paprika

    1 tsp
  • cumin
    1 tsp
  • cayenne

    or more to your liking

    ½ tsp
  • homemade harissa paste
    5 tbsp
  • juice
    1
  • generous drizzle of olive oil

Directions

  1. 1

    Pat the chicken dry and season with kosher salt on both sides.

  2. 2

    Place the chicken in a bowl and add garlic, onions, spices, and harissa paste. Add lemon juice and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

  3. 3

    Heat an outdoor grill or an indoor griddle to medium-high heat (between 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit) and be sure to lightly oil the grates. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes or so on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked (using an instant read thermometer chicken's internal temperature should register 165 degrees F at the thickest part).

Grilled Harissa Chicken

Grilled Harissa Chicken

155 cal

Similar Recipes

Grilled Tahini Chicken

Grilled Tahini Chicken

You'll love the Mediterranean flavors of this Grilled Tahini Chicken! Tahini gives the chicken a nutty flavor and keeps it tender and juicy.

87 minutes5 servings349 kcal
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Breasts

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Breasts

231 kcal
Mediterranean Chicken

Mediterranean Chicken

Enjoy bold Greek-inspired flavors in this easy Mediterranean chicken recipe! It's a 30-minute meal that feels a little fancy and is bursting with fresh flavor.

30 minutes4 servings
Mediterranean Chicken

Mediterranean Chicken

4 servings320 kcal
Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Juicy yogurt marinated chicken! You can grill, bake or air fry this yogurt marinated chicken breast it is a great recipe to make year round!

60 minutes4 servings212 kcal
Mediterranean Baked Chicken Dinner

Mediterranean Baked Chicken Dinner

Recipe video above. Infused with classic Mediterranean flavours of garlic, lemon, oregano and paprika, this is a terrific quick dinner idea. The sauce is the star of this and marinating is optional! I made this with drumsticks but you can make this with bone-in chicken thigh fillets too.

10 minutes10 minutes mins
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Easy, healthy grilled bruschetta chicken with simple seasonings, melty mozzarella cheese, and a fresh tomato and basil topping is the perfect summer meal!

30 minutes288 kcal
Greek Yogurt Chicken

Greek Yogurt Chicken

This Greek yogurt chicken marinade will knock your socks off! Tangy, juicy, and bursting with fresh flavor, they're seriously easy to throw together with minimal work for you and can easily be prepped ahead. Just pop it in the oven or onto the grill for a killer dinner!

60 minutes363 kcal

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Ready for grilled chicken bursting with bold, complex flavors? This Grilled Harissa Chicken recipe delivers a delicious, easy entree that's anything but ordinary, bringing authentic Mediterranean-inspired tastes right to your table.

Why This Grilled Harissa Chicken Works

The magic truly comes from the harissa paste, infusing each succulent chicken thigh with its signature blend of slightly sweet, beautifully smoky, tangy, and perfectly spicy notes. This recipe expertly balances a range of aromatics like garlic and red onion with warming spices like coriander, cumin, and paprika, ensuring every bite is rich with flavor. It's an effortless way to transform simple chicken thighs into an exotic, satisfying dish.

What to Expect

Prepare for tender, juicy chicken thighs charred to perfection on the grill, each piece richly coated in that incredible harissa spice blend. You'll experience a delightful balance of warmth from the coriander and cumin, a hint of heat from the cayenne, and the pungent freshness of garlic and red onion. This is a robust and vibrant dish, boasting 154.5 calories per serving, that feels special without being overly complicated. The grilling process locks in moisture while creating a fantastic smoky crust, making for an incredibly satisfying meal.

Customization & Variations

Tailor the heat to your preference by adjusting the cayenne quantity—you can add more for an extra kick or reduce it for a milder experience. If you prefer a less intense smoky flavor, sweet paprika can easily substitute the smoked paprika mentioned in the recipe. For an added layer of freshness, consider a squeeze of lemon juice over the cooked chicken before serving.

Serving & Context

Serve this versatile harissa chicken over a bed of quick-cooked couscous, alongside your favorite roasted vegetables, or as the star of a vibrant Mediterranean salad for a complete and satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknights or weekend entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions