Grilled Harissa Chicken Thighs with Honey and Lemon
Grilled Harissa Chicken Thighs with Honey and Lemon
This Tunisian-inspired dish features boneless chicken thighs marinated in a bold blend of harissa, honey, and spices, delivering smoky, zesty, and mildly spicy flavors. Paired with grilled lemons and tomatoes, it's a vibrant and flavorful meal perfect for the grill.This flavorful grilled harissa chicken combines smoky, spicy, and sweet notes with a tangy finish from grilled lemons. It's a perfect dish for summer BBQs or weeknight meals, ready in under an hour. The harissa marinade penetrates the chicken for a deliciously deep flavor, balanced by a touch of honey.
Equipment
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup harissa paste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 lemons
- 2 plum tomatoes sliced lengthwise
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:In a medium bowl, combine the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, paprika, black pepper, and the juice of 1 lemon. Mix well.
- Prepare the Chicken:Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. With a sharp knife, make small slits in the thickest parts of each thigh to allow the marinade to penetrate more deeply. Season both sides of the chicken with kosher salt.
- Marinate the Chicken:Place the chicken thighs into the bowl with the harissa marinade. Turn them to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
- Prepare the Grill:Preheat the grill to a medium heat (350°-375°F). While the grill is heating, cut the remaining 3 lemons in half for grilling.
- Grill the Chicken and Veggies:Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. In the last 3 minutes of grilling, add the lemon halves and sliced plum tomatoes to the grill. Grill until the lemons have a nice char and the tomatoes are tender.
- Serve:Remove the chicken, lemons, and tomatoes from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. Serve with extra harissa paste on the side, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Squeeze the grilled lemons over the chicken for added flavor.
Notes
- Marinating Time: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Spice Level: You can adjust the heat level by using mild or hot harissa paste depending on your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with couscous, rice, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 3gSugar: 16gVitamin C: 64mgIron: 2.3mg
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