Harissa-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Tender chicken marinated in smoky harissa and grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce that balances the heat. This north african-inspired grilling (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 35 minutes blends chicken breast, harissa paste, olive oil 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs chicken breast, 2 tbsp harissa paste, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 grated lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Thread chicken onto skewers, alternating with cherry tomatoes and red onion slices. Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Step 3: For the sauce, blend 1 cup yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper until smooth. Serve alongside the skewers.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Harissa-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mint 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 Harissa-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mint 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 Harissa-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mint 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.
Is Harissa-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
