5 from 10 votes
Harissa Grilled Chicken Thighs
Harissa Grilled Chicken Thighs feature bone-in, skin-on chicken marinated in a blend of spicy harissa paste, garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic spices before being grilled for a smoky and flavorful finish. The slits cut into the meat help the marinade penetrate deeply, resulting in juicy, well-seasoned chicken with a crispy exterior. This preparation balances heat and zest while preserving the moisture and texture of the thighs.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
331 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken thighs bone-in skin-on
- 3 tbsp harissa paste
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juice of
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp oregano
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, cut a few slits on each chicken thigh. This is to make sure they cook through completely.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and add the harissa, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika and oregano. Mix to combine and make sure all the pieces are coated with the marinade. Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours up to overnight.
- When ready to grill, place the chicken out of the fridge so it comes to room temperature. Heat the grill to two-zone heating, meaning have all the coals on one half of the grill and keep the other half empty. If using a gas grill, turn on the heat on the two ends of the grill and keep the heat in the middle of the grill off.
- Place the thighs on direct heat and grill for 5 minutes on each side to get a nice sear on both sides. Then move to the indirect heat for 30 minutes until the internal temperature is 175F.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs can replace bone-in skin-on, but reduce cooking time accordingly.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight to enhance flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 2 days and reheat gently in a pan or oven at 300°F for 15 minutes.
- Marinated chicken thighs freeze well up to 3 months; thaw fully before grilling and return to room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Calories
331kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
8g
(3%)
Protein
45g
(90%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
(18%)
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Trans Fat
0.04g
(2%)
Cholesterol
215mg
(72%)
Sodium
355mg
(15%)
Potassium
679mg
(14%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
396IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
18mg
(20%)
Calcium
54mg
(5%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 331
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 331kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 45g | 90% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.04g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 215mg | 72% |
| Sodium | 355mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 679mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 396IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 54mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.