Harissa Chicken Recipe

Grilled Harissa Chicken Recipe

Looking for a new spin on your baked or grilled chicken? My Harissa Chicken is ready to deliver big flavor.

This dish is MASSIVE on the flavor scale - not overly spicy, but it will seriously add some BOOM to your food.

We’re talking juicy, tender pieces of whole cut-up chicken marinated in a spicy, smoky harissa sauce, then grilled to perfection. It’s loaded with North African flavor and just the right amount of heat.

Don’t have a grill? No worries. I’ve included a baked version too, so you can enjoy this any time of year.

So, let's talk about how to make harissa chicken!

Harissa Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken. I'm using a whole cut up chicken for this recipe, though you can use any cut of chicken you'd like. This recipe works for either bone-in or boneless chicken, with or without the skins. Chicken thighs are great for this - harissa chicken thighs! Just be sure to adjust your cooking times to the cut of chicken.
• Harissa. Harissa is a flavorful North African paste made with spiced red chili peppers. I use my own homemade harissa paste, or use your favorite store bought brand. My homemade version is spicy hot, though you can adjust to your preference.
• For the Harissa Marinade. You'll need juice from lemon, olive oil, chili powder, spicy chili flakes (for extra spicy), oregano, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Additional Marinade Ingredients (optional): Add 1 tablespoon honey for a touch of sweetness, or 1/2 cup yogurt for a creamy (and tenderizing) version.
• For Serving. Fresh herbs and extra spicy chili flakes for serving.

How to Make Harissa Chicken - The Recipe Method

Prep the Chicken. Pat the chicken dry and set them into a plastic bag or a large bowl.

Prepare the Harissa Marinade. Pour your harissa, olive oil, lemon juice and seasonings (+ optional ingredients) to a food processor or blender and process until smooth. It should be fairly thick but not too thick, enough to stick to the chicken.

Rub the chicken with the marinade. Really get it in there, rubbing it into the skins and even under the skins if you can manage.

Marinate the Chicken. Cover the chicken or seal the bag and set it into the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours. Overnight is great if you can plan for it for greater flavor penetration.

For those in a hurry, you will still benefit greatly from a 2-hour marinade.

Grill the Chicken. Oil your grill grates and fire it up to medium heat. Grill the chicken for 35-40 minutes each, flipping every 5 minutes or so to avoid burning. The skins will get nice and crispy with a nice smoky flavor.

Or Bake the Chicken. Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

The chicken is done when they measure 165 degrees F internally. I like to use my ThermoPop meat thermometer from ThermoWorks (I'm an affiliate). Works great! Cooking time can vary, so be sure to check your temperatures. 

For Serving. To finish them, serve them onto a serving plate and sprinkle them with fresh herbs and spicy chili flakes. A bit of fresh lemon juice would be nice, too! Or brush with your favorite sauce!

These are incredible! I can't wait to make another batch! So PERFECT for summertime grilling. Spicy chicken all around.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your harissa chicken with a cooling yogurt-based sauce, like my Cucumber-Yogurt Raita. Some of my favorite sides for this dish include Cuban Black Beans, Mexican Rice, or Honey-Roasted Carrots.

Storage & Leftovers

Storing your Grilled Harissa Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge may allow you to store the leftovers for up to 3-4 days. To maximize the storage life, make sure to refrigerate the chicken promptly.

Try Some of These Other Recipe Ideas

• Chicken Shawarma
• Grilled Pork Chops with South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
• Grilled Salmon with Honey-Sriracha Sauce
• Grilled Peri Peri Chicken Wings
• Peri Peri Chicken Legs
• Chicken Drumsticks with Pumpkin Seed Sauce (Pipian Rojo)
• Chicken Cacciatore
• Doro Wat Recipe (Ethiopian Chicken Stew)
• Huli Huli Chicken

Do You Love Harissa? Try Some of These Other Popular Recipes with Harissa

• Colossal Grilled Shrimp with Harissa Marinade
• Harissa Rubbed Baked Chicken Breasts
• Harissa Sauce Recipe

Also try my Cajun Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe. So good!