Juicy and tender chicken thighs are marinated in a smoky, spicy harissa blend and grilled to perfection, then brightened with fresh lemon and aromatic dill. This dish strikes the perfect balance between bold heat and refreshing citrus, making it ideal for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or flavorful meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled Harissa Chicken Thighs are easy to prepare yet full of vibrant, complex flavor. The harissa adds warmth and depth, while lemon and dill offer a fresh contrast. This recipe is perfect for grilling enthusiasts and anyone seeking a healthy, protein-packed dish that’s anything but boring. It’s also versatile enough to pair with grains, salads, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- harissa paste
- olive oil
- garlic, minced
- smoked paprika
- lemon juice
- salt and pepper
- lemon slices (for serving)
- fresh dill sprigs (for garnish)
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and nicely charred in spots.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and arrange it on a platter lined with lemon slices.
- Garnish with fresh dill and serve with additional lemon wedges if desired.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Servings and timing
Servings: Serves 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour (minimum)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
Variations
- Milder Version: Use a mild harissa or reduce the quantity if you prefer less heat.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange juice or zest to the marinade for a sweet citrus note.
- Oven Option: Bake the marinated chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- Herb Substitute: Use fresh parsley or mint instead of dill for a different herbaceous flavor.
- Protein Swap: Try the marinade with boneless chicken breasts, tofu, or shrimp.
storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F, or in the microwave until warmed through. This chicken also tastes great cold, sliced over salads or in wraps.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, but adjust the grilling time to ensure the meat is cooked through—typically 8–10 minutes per side.
What is harissa?
Harissa is a North African chili paste made with hot peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices. It adds heat and smokiness to dishes.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It depends on the harissa used. Some brands are mild, while others are quite hot. Adjust to taste.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight enhances the flavor significantly and is highly recommended if you have time.
What side dishes pair well with this?
Serve with couscous, grilled vegetables, rice, or a cucumber yogurt salad for a balanced meal.
Can I use dried dill?
Fresh dill is recommended for best flavor and visual appeal, but you can use a small amount of dried dill if needed.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the raw, marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw before grilling.
How do I know the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Absolutely. A grill pan on the stovetop works well for indoor cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the grilled chicken stores and reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
Conclusion
Grilled Harissa Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Dill is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that brings together smoky spice and fresh herbs for a memorable meal. Whether grilled outdoors or on a stovetop pan, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy bold, global flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for warm-weather dining, family meals, or make-ahead lunches.
Print
Grilled Harissa Chicken Thighs with Lemon & Dill
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 22 mins (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cuisses de poulet grillées juteuses, marinées dans une pâte d’harissa fumée, servies avec des tranches de citron frais et de l’aneth délicat pour une combinaison de saveurs à la fois audacieuse et rafraîchissante. Idéales pour les grillades estivales ou les repas préparés.
Ingredients
- 2 livres de cuisses de poulet désossées et sans peau
- 2 cuillères à soupe de pâte de harissa
- 2 cuillères à soupe d’huile d’olive
- 2 gousses d’ail hachées
- 1 cuillère à café de paprika fumé
- Jus d’un citron
- Sel et poivre au goût
- Tranches de citron, pour servir
- Brins d’aneth frais, pour la garniture
Instructions
- Dans un grand bol, mélanger la pâte de harissa, l’huile d’olive, l’ail, le paprika fumé, le jus de citron, le sel et le poivre.
- Ajoutez les cuisses de poulet et enrobez-les bien de marinade. Couvrez et réfrigérez au moins 1 heure, ou toute la nuit pour une saveur plus intense.
- Préchauffer un gril ou une poêle à griller à feu moyen-vif.
- Faites griller les cuisses de poulet pendant 5 à 6 minutes de chaque côté, ou jusqu’à ce qu’elles soient complètement cuites et carbonisées par endroits.
- Transférer dans un plat de service garni de tranches de citron.
- Garnir d’aneth frais et de quartiers de citron supplémentaires à presser.
- Servir chaud avec vos accompagnements ou salades préférés.
Notes
- Laisser mariner toute la nuit pour une infusion maximale de saveur.
- Utilisez un thermomètre à viande pour vous assurer que le poulet atteint une température interne de 165 °F.
- Servir avec du riz, du couscous ou des légumes grillés pour un repas complet.
- Les restes sont parfaits pour les wraps ou les salades.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
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