Flavorful Grilled Harissa Chicken Skewers: Your Ultimate Summer Dinner Guide
Embark on a culinary journey to North Africa with this exquisite recipe for **harissa chicken**, a dish that promises a smoky, bold, and incredibly flavorful experience. Perfect for injecting vibrant tastes into your summer dinner routine, this recipe features succulent, boneless, skinless chicken breasts meticulously marinated in a rich blend of fiery harissa paste, robust olive oil, zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a medley of warm, earthy spices. Once thoroughly infused with these captivating flavors, the chicken is threaded onto skewers and expertly grilled to juicy perfection, achieving those coveted charred edges that elevate its taste. This dish is not only remarkably simple to prepare but also delivers an explosion of flavor, making it the quintessential choice for outdoor summer grilling gatherings. Even if you don’t have access to a traditional grill, fear not! You can effortlessly prepare this delicious harissa chicken using your broiler or, for a modern twist, even in your versatile air fryer, ensuring that this tantalizing meal is accessible to everyone, all year round.
This grilled harissa chicken recipe is a testament to how effortlessly you can achieve incredible depth of flavor with minimal preparation. It’s truly an ideal choice for threading onto skewers and tossing on the grill, particularly as the weather warms and outdoor cooking beckons. The smoky heat and bold notes of the harissa paste transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that’s both exciting and satisfying. For an added layer of indulgence, we highly recommend serving these flavorful skewers with our bright orange harissa aioli. This creamy, slightly spicy dipping sauce perfectly complements the chicken, adding a cooling contrast and an extra dimension of taste. Whether you’re planning a quick and easy weeknight dinner for the family or hosting a relaxed summer cookout with friends, this dynamic duo of chicken and rich harissa paste guarantees a memorable dining experience packed with serious, craveable flavor. Its adaptability also means it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making meal planning a breeze.
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Why You’ll Love This Harissa Chicken Recipe
This Harissa Chicken recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary revelation that will quickly become a cherished part of your cooking repertoire. Its unique blend of ease and intense flavor makes it truly exceptional. Here’s why you’ll find yourself falling in love with this North African-inspired dish:
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: One of the most appealing aspects of this harissa chicken is the incredible flavor payoff for such little work. The marinade, crafted from simple yet powerful ingredients like harissa paste, lemon, and spices, infuses the chicken with deep, complex notes that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it’s just a few minutes of whisking. This allows you to create a gourmet-tasting meal with ease, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
- Customizable Heat Level for Everyone: Whether you prefer a gentle warmth or a fiery kick, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to your personal spice preference. By choosing a mild harissa paste, you can enjoy all the rich flavors without overwhelming heat. For those who crave more intensity, opting for a spicy harissa paste or adding a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper will deliver that exhilarating spice. This versatility ensures that everyone at your table can enjoy the dish exactly to their liking.
- Remarkably Versatile for Serving: This harissa chicken is a true chameleon when it comes to serving. It forms an excellent foundation for a variety of meals, making it incredibly easy to integrate into your weekly menu. Serve it simply with wholesome sides like fluffy rice and steamed or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s also fantastic tucked into warm flatbreads with fresh greens and a dollop of yogurt, or as the star protein in a vibrant rice or grain bowl alongside your favorite toppings. The possibilities are endless, making it a go-to for diverse dining occasions.
For another delicious grilled skewers recipe that’s quick and easy, offering a fresh, zesty flavor profile, be sure to try these lemon garlic shrimp skewers with a light and bright marinade of lemon, garlic, and olive oil.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Harissa Chicken
Creating truly exceptional Harissa Chicken starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered, aromatic flavors that define this North African-inspired dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather:
- Chicken: We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform 1 ½-inch pieces. This cut is perfect for grilling on skewers as it cooks evenly and quickly. The lean nature of chicken breast also allows it to absorb the vibrant flavors of the harissa marinade beautifully, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste and remains tender when cooked correctly.
- Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is crucial here. It not only adds a lovely richness to the marinade but also acts as a carrier, helping to distribute the flavors of the harissa paste and spices evenly throughout the chicken. Furthermore, it aids in tenderizing the chicken and prevents it from sticking to the grill.
- Harissa Paste: This is the star ingredient that defines the dish. Harissa paste brings a characteristic smoky heat and incredible depth of flavor. We suggest starting with a mild harissa paste if you’re new to it, as you can always adjust the spice level later. It provides that essential North African essence with its complex blend of chili peppers, garlic, and spices.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable. Its bright, acidic notes cut through the richness of the harissa and olive oil, adding a refreshing zing that elevates all the other flavors. Beyond its taste contribution, lemon juice also helps to tenderize the chicken, making it even more succulent.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are indispensable for their bold, pungent, and unmistakable kick. When finely chopped or zested into the marinade, garlic permeates the chicken, building a foundational layer of aromatic flavor that is essential to the dish’s profile.
- Ground Cumin: This warm, earthy spice provides a crucial base note that perfectly complements the harissa. Cumin adds a nutty, slightly peppery aroma that is characteristic of North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, contributing significantly to the overall complexity and authenticity of the flavor.
- Ground Coriander: Another earthy and slightly citrusy spice, ground coriander works in harmony with cumin to round out the flavor profile of the marinade. It adds a subtle floral and sweet undertone that prevents the spice blend from being one-dimensional, enhancing the aromatic depth of the harissa chicken.
- Smoked Paprika: To further enhance the smoky notes of the harissa and add an additional layer of complexity, smoked paprika is key. It delivers a smoky-sweet flavor and imparts a beautiful, deep reddish-orange color to the chicken, making the final dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Please refer to the detailed recipe card below for precise measurements of all ingredients, including salt and pepper, to ensure perfect seasoning for your harissa chicken.
Tools: You will definitely need bamboo skewers for grilling. Remember to soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning. Alternatively, a reliable grill basket can be a great option if you prefer not to use individual skewers, offering an easy way to manage multiple pieces of chicken on the grill.
Chef’s Tip: What Is Harissa Paste? Harissa paste is a vibrant and versatile spicy condiment originating from Tunisia, a cornerstone of North African and Middle Eastern cuisines. It’s primarily crafted from a blend of sun-dried chili peppers, fresh garlic, olive oil, and a selection of warm, aromatic spices such as cumin and coriander. The beauty of harissa lies in its ability to instantly impart immense depth and complexity to a wide array of dishes. It brings not just heat, but also a distinctive smokiness and an earthy flavor that can transform simple proteins like chicken, shrimp, or lamb, as well as vegetables and stews. Harissa is widely available in varying levels of spice, from mild to fiery hot, allowing you to choose one that perfectly matches your palate. Its rich, concentrated flavor makes it an invaluable ingredient in any kitchen seeking to explore global tastes.
Customizing Your Harissa Chicken: Substitutions and Variations
One of the best aspects of this harissa chicken recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods to suit your taste, what you have on hand, or your dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations to inspire you:
- Adjusting the Spice Level: Your preference for heat can be easily accommodated. If you love a fiery kick, simply use a hot harissa paste. For a more gradual approach, start with a mild harissa paste and then gradually stir in additional chili flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce until you reach your desired level of heat. This allows for precise control over the spice.
- Using Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are excellent, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are another fantastic option for this recipe. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and retain more moisture, resulting in an even juicier and more succulent outcome, especially when grilling. Their slightly richer flavor also stands up wonderfully to the bold harissa marinade.
- Cooking Without a Grill: No outdoor grill? No problem at all! You have several excellent indoor alternatives.
- Stovetop Grill Pan: Heat a stovetop grill pan until smoking hot, then cook the chicken skewers, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred.
- Broiler: Arrange the chicken skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and cook them under a hot broiler, turning once, until golden brown and cooked to temperature. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Air Fryer: An air fryer offers a fantastic way to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior. (See the FAQs section below for detailed tips on air frying harissa chicken). Regardless of the cooking method you choose, always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for chicken breast or 175°F (80°C) for chicken thighs, using a meat thermometer, and turn the chicken as needed to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.
- Vegetable Skewers: Add more freshness and texture by alternating chicken pieces with your favorite vegetables on the skewers. Bell peppers (any color), red onion, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms would absorb some of the delicious harissa marinade and grill up beautifully alongside the chicken.
Chef’s Tip on Harissa Types: The world of harissa pastes is incredibly diverse, with brands offering a wide spectrum of flavors and textures. Some varieties are wonderfully smoky and smooth, perfect for incorporating into sauces, while others boast a more chunky and rustic consistency, ideal for slathering directly onto proteins. Through extensive testing, I’ve found that flavor profiles can vary dramatically. My personal favorite often leans towards a “rose harissa,” which typically features visible chili skins and, as the name suggests, dried rose petals, lending a complex, slightly floral, and deeply rich dimension. For context, I’ve enjoyed Belazu Rose Harissa Paste for its sophisticated complexity, Mina Harissa for its brighter, milder, and slightly more vinegar-forward notes, and Trader Joe’s Traditional Tunisian Harissa for its undeniable fiery heat. If you’re new to this delightful condiment, I encourage you to explore different brands to discover which one best suits your palate. Sometimes, for an even more nuanced flavor, I even blend two or three different types together to create a truly unique harissa experience!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Harissa Chicken
Preparing this succulent Harissa Chicken is a straightforward process that yields incredibly flavorful results. By following these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal with North African flair in no time. The key is in the marinade and proper grilling technique.
Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform approximately 1 ½-inch chunks. This size is ideal because it maximizes the surface area, allowing the chicken to absorb as much of that delicious harissa marinade as possible, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite. Once marinated, these perfectly sized pieces will be ready to thread onto bamboo skewers. Remember to soak your bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use – this crucial step prevents them from burning on the grill. After soaking, dry them lightly and then give them a quick spray with avocado oil to ensure the chicken slides off easily after grilling.
- **Prepare the Marinade:** In a blender or food processor, combine the olive oil, harissa paste, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped or zested garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, and sea salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and well emulsified, ensuring all the flavors are perfectly integrated. If you don’t have a blender, you can achieve a smooth consistency by vigorously whisking all the ingredients together in a medium bowl by hand.
- **Marinate the Chicken:** Add your cut chicken pieces to a spacious medium bowl. Pour the prepared harissa marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. It’s important to reserve about ¼ cup of this fresh marinade in a separate container if you plan to use it later for glazing the cooked chicken (this step is optional but highly recommended for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful sheen). Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate.
- **Allow to Rest:** For the most profound and delicious flavor, allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6-8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This extended marinating time allows the chicken to fully absorb the aromatic spices and tenderizing properties of the lemon and olive oil, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful final product.
- **Prepare for Grilling:** Approximately 1 hour before you plan to grill, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Allowing it to come closer to room temperature promotes more even cooking. While the chicken rests, thread the marinated pieces onto your pre-soaked and oiled bamboo skewers. Ensure the pieces are snug but not overly packed, allowing heat to circulate.
Chef’s Tip: Prevent Sticking on the Grill
Achieving perfectly grilled chicken that doesn’t stick to the grates is easier than you think. The golden rule is to always make sure your grill grates are screaming hot, impeccably clean, and thoroughly oiled *before* you place any food on them. A hot, clean, and oiled surface creates a non-stick barrier. Additionally, for lean cuts like chicken breast, I always give the skewered chicken a light spray with a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil just before grilling. This extra step provides an insurance layer against sticking and helps develop a beautiful, even char.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Harissa Chicken
The bold, smoky, and spicy flavors of this harissa paste chicken make it an incredibly versatile main course. Pairing it with the right sides can truly elevate the meal, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions that complement its vibrant profile:
- Lemon Herb Rice: A fragrant and zesty lemon herb rice makes for an ideal foundation, balancing the chicken’s heat with its refreshing notes. Simply cook your favorite rice (such as basmati or jasmine), then stir in fresh lemon zest and a generous amount of chopped soft herbs like fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro. This simple addition adds a bright contrast and aromatic depth to your plate.
- Cool Cucumber Salad: A crisp and refreshing cucumber salad offers a wonderful cooling effect against the harissa’s spice. Combine thinly sliced cucumbers with a light vinaigrette, fresh mint, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a tangy, herbaceous, and utterly refreshing side that provides a delightful textural contrast.
- Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette: Sometimes, simplicity is best. A fresh, simple green salad tossed with a vibrant homemade vinaigrette offers a refreshing and crunchy counterpoint. Use a mix of tender greens and perhaps a few cherry tomatoes for color. The acidity of the vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the chicken beautifully.
- Grilled Vegetables: Embrace the grilling theme by serving your harissa chicken with a medley of perfectly grilled vegetables. Try grilled zucchini planks, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for sweetness), tender eggplant slices, or wedges of red onion. These vegetables not only absorb a lovely smoky flavor but also add natural sweetness and a variety of textures. They are fantastic on their own or can be layered into a vibrant rice or grain bowl alongside the chicken.
- Light Orzo Pasta Salad: A simple orzo pasta salad can be a wonderfully neutral yet satisfying side. Cook orzo pasta (regular or gluten-free) according to package directions, then toss it with a light dressing, a drizzle of olive oil, and perhaps some chopped cherry tomatoes or bell peppers. It can be served warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing summer side.
- Warm Flatbreads or Pita: Serve the harissa chicken alongside warm pita bread or soft flatbreads. Guests can use these to create their own mini wraps, adding fresh greens, a dollop of harissa aioli or Greek yogurt, and maybe some chopped tomatoes and cucumbers. It’s an interactive and delicious way to enjoy the meal.
Storing and Enjoying Leftover Harissa Chicken
This harissa chicken is so delicious, you might not have many leftovers! But if you do, it stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or quick future meals. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its vibrant flavors for days to come. Here’s how to handle your delicious leftovers:
Refrigerate: To maintain freshness and safety, allow any leftover harissa chicken to cool completely before storing. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days. Always make sure to label and date your container for easy tracking.
Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have several excellent reheating options. For the best texture, gently warm the chicken in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat until it’s heated through, being careful not to overcook it, which can dry it out. Alternatively, you can use a microwave; reheat on lower power settings in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Don’t feel limited to serving it hot, though! Leftover harissa chicken is fantastic enjoyed cold, shredded into vibrant salads, or tucked into wraps for a quick and flavorful lunch. Our family particularly loves chopping it up and using it as a spicy, zesty filling for tacos!
Freeze: Harissa chicken freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for future meal planning. After grilling, allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in freezer-safe airtight containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using your preferred method.
Harissa Chicken: Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about perfecting your harissa chicken or have specific questions? We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you master this delicious North African-inspired dish. Find all the answers you need for a successful and flavorful cooking experience below.
The spice level of your harissa chicken is entirely dependent on the type of harissa paste you choose. A mild harissa paste will infuse the chicken with a pleasant warmth and deep flavor without being overtly hot, making it approachable for most palates. Hot versions, however, can deliver a serious, exhilarating spice kick. My suggestion is to start with a mild harissa and then, if you desire more heat, gradually add chili flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to taste, giving you complete control over the intensity.
Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully for harissa chicken, and each offers a slightly different experience. Chicken breasts, when properly marinated and cooked, will remain tender and juicy, readily absorbing the vibrant flavors. Chicken thighs, with their slightly higher fat content, tend to stay even juicier and more forgiving, especially on the grill, offering a richer flavor and texture. Choose the cut that best suits your preference for leanness or moisture.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable to various cooking methods beyond the grill. To oven roast, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), arrange the skewers on a baking sheet, and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) and cook the chicken skewers for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway, until beautifully golden and cooked. Regardless of the method, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Harissa paste has become increasingly popular and is now relatively easy to find. You can typically locate it in the international foods aisle of most well-stocked grocery stores. Many specialty food stores and Middle Eastern markets will also carry a wider selection of brands. Alternatively, a vast array of options is available online through various retailers. Remember that brands vary widely in terms of heat level and flavor profile—some are fiery hot and rustic, while others are milder, smoother, and more complex, sometimes even featuring rose petals for a distinct aroma.
For the most impactful and deeply infused flavor, we strongly recommend marinating the chicken for a minimum of 6-8 hours, or ideally, overnight (up to 24 hours). This extended period allows the aromatic harissa paste, zesty lemon, and warming spices to truly penetrate the chicken pieces, resulting in a more tender and incredibly flavorful outcome. While a shorter marinade of 2-4 hours will still yield good results, the longer soak time makes a significant difference.
Did You Make This Recipe? Share Your Experience!
We absolutely love hearing from you! If you tried your hand at making this delicious harissa chicken, please take a moment to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Your feedback is invaluable and deeply appreciated. If you truly loved the recipe, we’d be thrilled if you could give it a 5-star rating! Your ratings help other readers discover and enjoy this wonderful dish, creating a community of passionate home cooks. Thank you for being a part of our culinary journey!
📖 Recipe
Grilled Harissa Chicken Skewers
Sally CameronEquipment
- 6 Bamboo skewers or alternatively, you can use a sturdy grill basket if preferred.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste mild, hot, or combo
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 large garlic cloves chopped finely or zested
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
Instructions
Make the marinade
- To create the vibrant harissa marinade, combine the olive oil, harissa paste, fresh lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, and sea salt in a blender. Process until the mixture is perfectly smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly combined. If you don’t have a blender, simply whisk all the ingredients vigorously in a medium bowl until you achieve a consistent, smooth paste.
Marinate the chicken
- Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into uniform 1 ½-inch chunks to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Place these chicken pieces into a spacious medium bowl. Pour the prepared harissa marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is generously coated. At this stage, reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the fresh marinade in a separate, clean container; this will be used for glazing the chicken after grilling, adding an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful sheen (this step is optional but highly recommended). Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully meld and tenderize the chicken.
Bring to room temp & prep skewers
- Approximately 1 hour before you intend to grill, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Allowing it to come closer to room temperature promotes more even and thorough cooking on the grill. While the chicken rests, prepare your bamboo skewers by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This essential step prevents them from charring and burning during grilling. After soaking, gently dry the skewers and coat them lightly with avocado oil spray to ensure the chicken easily slides off once cooked.
Prep to grill
- Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat. Once the grill is thoroughly hot, reduce the heat to medium to prevent the chicken from burning too quickly. It is crucial to clean and oil the grill grates very well before cooking to prevent any sticking. Line a quarter sheet baking tray with plastic wrap or parchment paper for easy handling of the raw skewers. Drain any excess marinade from the chicken chunks and then carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your prepared bamboo skewers. As an extra precaution, give the skewered chicken a quick, light spray of avocado oil to further prevent sticking to the grates.
Grill chicken
- Place the prepared chicken skewers on the preheated, oiled grill. Grill for approximately 8 minutes in total. Make sure to turn the skewers once partway through cooking to achieve beautiful crosshatch grill marks on all sides. Continue to turn and cook the skewers for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. If you opt to use chicken thighs, grill until they reach 175°F (80°C) for optimal tenderness. Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and immediately brush them generously with the reserved, clean marinade. This step adds an extra burst of fresh flavor and enhances the chicken’s vibrant color. Your delicious Grilled Harissa Chicken is now ready to serve!