Description
Harissa & Yogurt Roasted Chicken is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines spicy harissa paste with creamy Greek yogurt to create a marinade. This marinade works wonders in tenderizing the chicken, while adding layers of bold flavors to the meat. The result is a perfectly roasted chicken with a crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat inside. The tanginess of the yogurt complements the heat from the harissa, creating a delicious fusion that both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors can enjoy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken (spatchcocked) or bone-in chicken pieces | 1.5–2 kg |
| Plain Greek yogurt | ½ cup (120 g) |
| Harissa paste (mild or hot) | 2–3 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 3–4 cloves |
| Lemon zest | 1 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1–1½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Optional | honey (1 tsp for subtle sweetness), fresh herbs, extra harissa for serving |
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the marinade
In a bowl, mix together: yogurt, harissa, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest & juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust heat/salt.
2️⃣ Prep the chicken
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Pat chicken dry.
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If using whole chicken, spatchcock (remove backbone so it lays flat) for even roasting.
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Make shallow slits in the meat for better absorption.
3️⃣ Marinate
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Rub marinade all over the chicken, under the skin if possible.
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Cover and chill at least 2 hours (overnight = best flavor and tenderness).
4️⃣ Roast
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Preheat oven to 400°F / 200°C.
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Place chicken on a lined tray or cast iron pan, skin-side up.
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Roast 45–60 minutes (internal temp 75°C / 165°F), basting once or twice.
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Optional: Broil 2–3 min at the end for darker caramelization.
5️⃣ Rest & serve
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Rest 10 minutes before carving.
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Serve with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or extra harissa + yogurt swirl.
Notes
This harissa and yogurt roasted chicken is tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. For extra freshness, serve it with a side of couscous, roasted vegetables, or a cooling cucumber salad. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less harissa to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 310
Keywords: Harissa chicken, yogurt roasted chicken, roasted chicken with harissa, spicy yogurt chicken