Description
Hello food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delicious recipe that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress your family at dinner or want to spice up your grilling game, this Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken with Tangy Yogurt Drizzle is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Harissa paste (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice from 1/2 a lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
Cilantro Yogurt Sauce:
- 3/4 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
- 1 clove garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a glass bowl or freezer bag, combine all the marinade ingredients (olive oil, Harissa paste, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper). Mix everything together well, then add the chicken thighs and turn them to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours to ensure the flavors fully penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to make the cilantro yogurt sauce. Simply add the yogurt, fresh cilantro, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken thighs directly on the grill, smooth side down. Grill for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches just below 165°F to allow for carryover cooking.
- Let It Rest: After grilling, transfer the chicken to a clean plate or cutting board. Cover lightly with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, making it extra juicy.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and serve it drizzled with the tangy cilantro yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just 1 tablespoon of Harissa paste and gradually add more until you reach your desired spice level. Conversely, if you love a good kick, don’t hesitate to add an extra tablespoon.
- Marination Time: While a 20-minute marination will suffice in a pinch, marinating the chicken overnight will yield more flavorful and tender results.