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harissa chicken on a serving platter with cilantro and yogurt sauce

Honey Harissa Chicken (Grilled or Baked – Juicy Every Time!)

5 from 3 votes
Savor the bold, smoky spice of this easy honey Harissa Chicken Recipe—where juicy chicken thighs meet zesty citrus, rich spices, and a touch of sweetness. Whether you grill or bake it, this dish delivers flavor in every bite and is a delicious way to spice up any night of the week.
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Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time37 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

Harissa Chicken

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Harissa paste more or less for desired spice level
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • Juice from 1/2 a lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

  • 3/4 cup yogurt
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1/2 lemon
  • 1 clove garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add all of the marinade ingredients, except the chicken, to a glass bowl or a freezer bag. Whisk or mix everything together then add the chicken and turn to coat it well.
    1/4 cup olive oil, 2 Tablespoons Harissa paste, 1 Tablespoon honey, Juice from 1/2 a lemon, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or overnight (do not exceed 24 hours). Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure each piece and each side of the chicken are evenly coated
  • While it’s marinating, make the yogurt sauce. Add everything to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
    3/4 cup yogurt, 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Grilled Harissa Chicken

  • Brush the grill grates clean and rub them with oil. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F).
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard leftovers. Place the chicken thighs directly on the grill with the smooth side down. Close the lid and grill for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through (6-7 minutes per side), or until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs reaches below 165°F, or just before to allow for carryover cooking.
  • Remove the chicken thighs to a clean plate or cutting board, cover lightly with foil, and rest for 5-10 minutes.

Baked Harissa Chicken

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake the chicken thighs in the oven until the internal temperature reaches just below 165°F to allow for carryover cooking with a target temp for 165. This took about for 25-30 minutes for me.
  • Serve with yogurt sauce and fresh chopped cilantro.

Notes

  • The yogurt sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days.
  • For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness—look for 165°F.
  • Resting the chicken helps the juices redistribute and keeps it tender.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ounces of chicken with sauce | Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 764mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg
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