Harissa and Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Skewers: Fiery, Sweet, and Instantly Addictive
Charred edges and North African spices make this dish a cookout standout.
Harissa and Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Skewers
If you’re seeking a grilled dish that packs both heat and sweetness, these harissa and honey glazed chicken skewers deliver on all fronts. With smoky, spicy notes balanced by a touch of honey, this recipe is a triumph of contrasting flavors that will command attention at your next cookout. Whether eaten as a main dish or as an appetizer with friends, these skewers burst with vibrant North African-inspired flavors and irresistible charred edges.
Why This Recipe Works
- Harissa paste provides a bold, smoky, and customizable spice base, bringing complexity to the marinade and glaze.
- Honey is used not just for sweetness but for building a lacquered, sticky surface that chars beautifully on the grill.
- Quick-cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs remain juicy over high heat and take on marinade flavors rapidly.
- Grilling over high heat gives you smoky, caramelized edges while keeping the meat inside exceptionally moist.
- A finishing glaze ensures a final hit of aromatic harissa and sticky honey every time you take a bite.
Harissa: A Bold, Spicy-Sweet Powerhouse
Harissa is a North African chile paste most commonly associated with Mexican, Tunisian, and Moroccan cuisines. At its base, harissa is a blend of dried red chiles, spices like coriander and cumin, garlic, and often a touch of smoke. It delivers hearty, sun-dried chile flavor with notes of tang, sweetness, and heat.
Supermarket harissa pastes vary from fiery to mild—choose according to your personal preference. Traditional harissa gives this chicken depth and energy, and when combined with honey, it coats meat with an aromatic, spicy-sweet sheen that practically begs for char-grilled edges.
The Science of Marinating Chicken for Grilling
Proper marinating ensures each piece of chicken is loaded with flavor long before it even hits the grill. Here’s what to know:
- Chicken thighs are ideal for grilling: Their generous fat keeps meat juicy during high-heat cooking.
- Marinades based on yogurt or lemon offer some tenderizing due to mild acidity. This recipe skips the dairy, which allows the glaze to stick and the surface to crisp.
- Salt in the marinade dissolves meat proteins at the surface, further encouraging a moist texture.
- With such potent flavors, 30 minutes to an hour of marinating is plenty for maximum taste without over-saturating the meat.
Choosing Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
The beauty of this recipe is its approachable list of ingredients—most are easily found at any supermarket, yet together produce a dish with vivid, exotic character. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Purpose/Flavor |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | Moist, tender protein for grilling |
| Harissa paste | Rich, smoky, spicy flavor base |
| Honey | Sweetness, helps form sticky glaze |
| Lemon juice | Tanginess, fresh brightness |
| Garlic (freshly grated) | Pungency, depth of flavor |
| Olive oil | Richness, helps emulsify marinade |
| Kosher salt & black pepper | Heightens all flavors |
Optional extras for garnish: coarsely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, lemon wedges for squeezing, and, if you want to dial up the heat, a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper or more harissa paste at the table.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Harissa and Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers
This recipe sets you up for success whether you prefer an outdoor grill or a stove-top grill pan. Here’s the process, broken down for clarity:
1. Mix Marinade & Glaze
- Whisk together harissa paste, honey, lemon juice, grated garlic, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Set aside a portion to serve as your glaze—this will be brushed onto the skewers just before and during grilling.
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2. Prepare Chicken
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut them into evenly sized pieces, about 1.5 inches across.
- Toss chicken pieces in the prepared marinade, coating every surface. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning on the grill.
3. Thread & Grill
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little room between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat your grill (gas or charcoal) or grill pan to medium-high heat. Light oil on hot grates helps prevent sticking.
- Grill skewers, turning every 2–3 minutes, until all sides are deeply golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). This typically takes 8–12 minutes total, depending on grill heat.
- During the final minutes, brush reserved honey-harissa glaze over each skewer, letting it caramelize and bubble for extra stickiness and shine.
4. Serve
- Transfer finished skewers to a platter. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and lemon wedges for spritzing.
- Serve hot and enjoy the dance between spicy, tangy, and sweet in every bite.
Tips for the Best Harissa-Honey Glazed Skewers
- Customizing Spiciness: Harissa brands vary widely—taste before using, and adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- No harissa? Substitute with smoked paprika, cayenne, and a bit of tomato paste blended together, plus a handful of ground cumin and coriander.
- Don’t skip the glaze: Even if you’re short on time for marinating, basting with the glaze at the end creates an addictive, glossy crust.
- Use thighs for juiciness: Chicken breast can work but dries out more quickly over high heat.
- Let it rest: Like all grilled meats, allow skewers to rest for a few minutes off heat before serving for maximum juiciness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These skewers are versatile and work well as a centerpiece or as part of a larger spread. Here are perfect pairings:
- Flatbreads: Serve in warm pita or lavash, with crisp salad and yogurt sauce.
- Grain salads: Try couscous salad with roasted vegetables or a lemony bulgur wheat tabbouleh.
- Creamy dips: Pair with labneh, tzatziki, or a garlicky aioli to cool the heat.
- Pickled vegetables: Quick pickled onions, cucumbers, or carrots add a punchy contrast.
- Cold drinks: Serve with a tart lemonade, cold lager, or a mineral-rich rosé to refresh the palate.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute large cubes of zucchini, eggplant, or halloumi cheese for chicken and proceed with the same marinade and grill method.
- Alternate Protein: Pork tenderloin or firm tofu also work beautifully—simply adjust grilling times as needed.
- Greens and Extras: Add chunks of red onion, bell pepper, or cherry tomatoes between chicken pieces on skewers for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice Boost: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle to the marinade for added depth and smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breast, but be cautious—it dries out faster. Watch grilling time carefully and consider marinating for a shorter period.
Q: How spicy is harissa?
A: The heat level varies widely by brand. Taste before using and adjust the amount to your liking—some are fiery, some are mild and smoky.
Q: Can I prepare these skewers in advance?
A: Yes! Marinate chicken up to 12 hours in advance. Skewers can be formed an hour ahead and refrigerated. If needed, grill and refrigerate cooked skewers, then gently reheat and brush with extra glaze before serving.
Q: Is this recipe gluten free?
A: The main ingredients are gluten free, but check your harissa paste and other packaged products—some brands may add wheat or stabilizers.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: Use a preheated grill pan or broiler, watching carefully for caramelization. Internal temperature should still reach 165°F (74°C).
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers—leave space for air and even caramelization.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling for maximum juiciness.
- Brush extra glaze just before serving for appealing shine and stickiness.
Nutrition Information
Values will vary but per serving (assuming four servings):
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~13g
- Protein: ~32g
This nutrition is an estimate and will depend on specific brands and ingredient proportions used.
Final Thoughts
With minimal prep and a short cook time, these harissa and honey glazed grilled chicken skewers are a practical way to bring bold, globally inspired flavor to your table. Ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining, they strike a perfect balance of heat and sweet—all finished with a spectacular sticky glaze. Make a double batch; there are rarely leftovers!
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