Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Harissa
I love how yogurt tenderizes and adds richness to the chicken. I've marinated it for a few hours, up to a day and a half before cooking. The smoky, charred grill flavor makes this dish a winner!
I love how yogurt tenderizes and adds richness to the chicken. I've marinated it for a few hours, up to a day and a half before cooking. The smoky, charred grill flavor makes this dish a winner!
- kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- sea salt
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 3 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 lemon halved
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon red chile flakes
- 1/4 cup whole milk yogurt
- one 1- to 2-inch knob fresh ginger peeled and grated
- 1 whole chicken cut in half
- harissa recipe follows
- 1 red bell pepper roasted, peeled and seeded
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to coat the top
- Carbohydrate 4.79979187655674 g
- Cholesterol 189.91 mg
- Fat 42.0946934446482 g
- Fiber 1.90379999203424 g
- Protein 47.9628203128813 g
- Saturated Fat 11.5380287510048 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (296g)
- Sodium 273.477968750371 mg
- Sugar 2.8959918845225 g
- Trans Fat 3.43649553145965 g
- Calories 595 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger, cumin, chile flakes and salt. Whisk until smooth and pour into a baking dish.
- Lay the chicken halves, skin-side up, in the yogurt mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a couple of hours to marinate.
- Preheat a very clean grill to medium. When the grill is hot, brush with oil.
- Remove the chicken from the yogurt, leaving any excess behind, and lay them out on the grill, skin-side down.
- Cook until the skin is brown and crispy, and then flip. Roast them on the grill, avoiding flaming or too intense heat to prevent drying them out.
- Grill the chicken until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh registers between 155 degrees F and 160 degrees F, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the grill to a cutting board. Cut into small pieces or serve whole.
- Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with lemon juice.
- Top with some harissa and serve immediately.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine the coriander seeds, cumin seeds and caraway seeds.
- Add the spices to a sheet tray and toast in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes; you should faintly detect the scent of the spices.
- Remove the tray from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Add the paprika and chile flakes to the spice mix.
- Using a mortar and pestle (or a food processor), grind the garlic cloves until they become a paste, then add the red bell pepper.
- Season with salt, then add the spices and the 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and blend well.
- When blended, transfer the harissa to a container and top with some additional olive oil. This will keep for 3 to 6 weeks, covered, in the refrigerator.
A Weeknight Winner: Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Harissa
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the general chaos of family life. That's why I've become a huge fan of recipes that are both flavorful and surprisingly simple. This Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Harissa fits the bill perfectly. It's a meal that feels elegant and special, yet it's surprisingly easy to pull together, even on the busiest of evenings.
The secret to this dish's success lies in the marinade. The creamy yogurt not only tenderizes the chicken beautifully, but it also adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. The harissa paste, a fiery North African condiment, brings a wonderful smoky heat that perfectly complements the juicy chicken. The combination is a symphony of tastes and textures - the tender, succulent chicken, the slightly spicy harissa, and a hint of bright lemon juice.
I usually marinate the chicken for at least a few hours, or even overnight if I have the time. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in an incredibly flavorful and moist final product. Grilling the chicken adds a delightful smoky char that enhances the overall taste profile. But don't worry if you don't have a grill – you can easily pan-fry or bake the chicken instead. The marinade will still work its magic, delivering tender and delicious results.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even couscous. It's a complete meal that’s satisfying and healthy. The leftovers are equally delicious, making it a perfect choice for meal prepping. This chicken is just as tasty cold as it is hot, making it a great option for lunches throughout the week.
This recipe has become a staple in my household, a go-to when I need a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner that the whole family will enjoy. It's a testament to the fact that delicious meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and a few simple ingredients, you can create a truly unforgettable dining experience, even on a busy weeknight.
Beyond the Dinner Table: This recipe also lends itself perfectly to entertaining. It's impressive enough for a casual get-together with friends, yet easy enough to prepare when you're already juggling a busy schedule. The vibrant colors of the chicken and the harissa are visually appealing, making it a beautiful addition to any table setting.
Tips for Success: Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of harissa to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. Similarly, the marinating time is flexible. A longer marinade will result in a more intensely flavored chicken, but even a couple of hours will make a noticeable difference.
This Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken with Harissa is more than just a recipe; it's a solution to busy weeknights and a celebration of flavorful, healthy eating. It's a recipe that I wholeheartedly recommend – try it and I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your household too!
