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spicy-harissa-grilled-chicken-skewers

Spicy Harissa Grilled Chicken Skewers

3
These skewers feature chicken marinated in a flavorful harissa paste, delivering a blend of smoky, tangy, and earthy notes for a gourmet grilling experience.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Grilling, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, North African
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 cup harissa paste Use a high-quality brand or homemade paste.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Acts as a carrier for the fat-soluble spices.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest Adds brightness to the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup Balances the spice.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced for depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin For extra warmth.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Enhances the earthiness of the harissa.
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes.
For the Skewers
  • 1 medium red onion For alternating on skewers.
  • 1 medium bell pepper Can use various colors.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Optional for filling skewers.

Method
 

Marination
  1. In a bowl, mix together the harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey or maple syrup, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
Preparing the Skewers
  1. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of red onion, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes.
Grilling
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the skewers on the grill and sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving
  1. Serve the skewers with a yogurt sauce made of plain full-fat yogurt, lemon juice, chopped fresh mint, and a pinch of salt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g

Notes

For the best flavor, do not crowd the skewers and allow the chicken to reach room temperature before grilling. Fresh herbs make a great finishing touch.

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