Grilled Lemon Harissa Chicken

Elevate your grilling game with this bold and flavorful Grilled Lemon Harissa Chicken recipe! Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs are marinated to perfection in a zesty blend of smoky harissa paste, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin, creating a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean and North African-inspired flavors. The smoky char from the grill enhances the tender, spice-infused chicken, while a garnish of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon add brightness to every bite. Ready in just over 30 minutes (plus marinating time), this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or meal prep. Pair it with a crisp salad, fluffy rice, or grilled vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of bold spices or simply looking to try something new, this grilled lemon harissa chicken will leave your taste buds delighted!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 3 tablespoons Harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 4 slices Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the harissa paste, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.

Step 2

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for extra flavor.

Step 3

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the preheated grill.

Step 5

Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (measured with a meat thermometer). Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

Step 6

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 7

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Pair with a fresh salad, rice, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	783.6 grams (783.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1654

Total Fat 128.10g	164%
Saturated Fat 31.70g	159%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 486mg	162%
Sodium 1655mg	72%
Total Carbohydrate 20.50g	7%
Dietary Fiber 5.90g	21%
Total Sugars 7.20g
Protein 113.20g	226%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 178mg	14%
Iron 10mg	55%
Potassium 1603mg	34%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.3%

Protein: 26.8%

Carbs: 4.9%