Grilled Citrus-Harissa Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a spicy citrus-harissa blend, served with a cooling yogurt sauce to balance the heat. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends skin-on bone-in chicken thighs, harissa paste, fresh lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the chicken, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken thighs from marinade, shaking off excess.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: While the chicken grills, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/2 medium finely diced cucumber, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled chicken thighs hot, accompanied by a generous spoonful of the cooling yogurt sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Harissa Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Harissa Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Harissa Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Citrus-Harissa Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Citrus-Harissa Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Sauce?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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