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Harissa Yogurt Chicken Marinade Recipe

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4.6 from 89 reviews

This vibrant Harissa Yogurt Chicken Marinade recipe combines creamy Greek yogurt with spicy harissa paste, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil to create a flavorful and tender chicken dish. Perfect for grilling or baking, the marinade not only imparts a warm, spicy kick but also ensures juicy, succulent chicken every time.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

  • 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Harissa paste
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chicken

  • About 2 pounds chicken pieces (such as thighs or breasts)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, harissa paste, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture until smooth and well blended.
  2. Season Marinade: Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to evenly distribute the seasoning.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Coat the chicken pieces generously with the prepared marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse and tenderize the meat.
  4. Preheat Grill or Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Cook Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill or in the oven-safe pan. Cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes depending on the cooking method.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, tender Harissa Yogurt Chicken!

Notes

  • Marinating overnight yields more flavorful and tender chicken.
  • You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks depending on preference.
  • If grilling, watch carefully to avoid charring the yogurt-based marinade.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature.
  • Adjust harissa paste amount to control spice level.