Harissa-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Soft Dinner Rolls

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

Spicy harissa-rubbed grilled chicken thighs served with warm, fluffy soft dinner rolls to soak up every bit of flavor. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 115 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, harissa paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 90 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 3 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over 6 bone-in chicken thighs. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare the soft dinner rolls. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (110°F), 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix 3 cups all-purpose flour and 3 tbsp softened unsalted butter. Add the yeast mixture and 1/2 cup warm milk. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Shape dough into 12 equal rolls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with 1 beaten egg. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15-18 minutes until golden.
  5. Step 5: Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crisp.
  6. Step 6: Serve the harissa-grilled chicken hot with the fresh soft dinner rolls on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Soft Dinner Rolls take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (90 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Harissa-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Soft Dinner Rolls?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Soft Dinner Rolls?

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 Harissa-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Soft Dinner Rolls for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Harissa-Rubbed Grilled Chicken with Soft Dinner Rolls?

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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