Moroccan-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Harissa Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in warm Moroccan spices, served with a cooling harissa-infused yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 52 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, ground cumin, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground paprika, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Coat 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs evenly with the spice marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear, with a slight char on the edges.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken hot with a dollop of the harissa yogurt sauce on top for a perfect balance of smoky and cooling flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Moroccan-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Harissa Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 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 Moroccan-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Harissa Yogurt Sauce?

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 ground cumin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Moroccan-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Harissa 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 Moroccan-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Harissa 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 Moroccan-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Harissa Yogurt Sauce?

Middle Eastern 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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