Honey Harissa Chicken Skewers with Garlic Mint Sauce – a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors in tender grilled skewers finished with a refreshing garlic-mint sauce. These were a hit with my guests.
Grilling season is officially here. After a long winter of dreaming about quick outdoor meals, it’s such a pleasure to fire up the grill and have dinner ready in minutes. With warmer weather (at least on the East Coast), backyard cooking becomes an easy, everyday option.
I love Mediterranean flavors, so these honey harissa chicken skewers with garlic mint sauce became an instant favorite for summer entertaining and weeknight grilling alike.
My husband turned our deck into a second living room—comfortable seating, a matching coffee table and even an outdoor drink fridge—so the space is perfect for easy meals and relaxed cocktails.
These skewers are one of those effortless recipes that deliver big flavor. Aside from the recommended marinating time to develop those Mediterranean notes, the hands-on prep is quick. Mixing the marinade and cutting the chicken takes about five minutes, and grilling is 3–4 minutes per side. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least a few hours or overnight so the flavors penetrate.
The garlic-mint sauce is also fast: a few ingredients in a food processor and you have a bright, creamy sauce to drizzle over the finished skewers.
If you plan to use store-bought harissa, choose a mild version unless you want serious heat. The mild harissa gives a rich peppery flavor that you can use more liberally; the spicy versions are very hot so add only a small amount if you prefer a kick.
This recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of summer sides—try it with a bright panzanella salad or a classic potato salad. If you make the skewers, share your photos and impressions under #innocentdelight. Cheers to a delicious summer!
Honey Harissa Chicken Skewers with Garlic Mint Sauce
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Ingredients
Chicken marinade:
- 2 boneless , skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch strips (or equivalent of chicken tenders)
- 3 tablespoon of mild harissa
- 3 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
Garlic Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves , crushed
- 3 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 5 tablespoon of olive oil
- 3 tablespoon of yogurt (natural or Greek)
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh mint
Instructions
For the chicken
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Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl: harissa, honey, olive oil, salt and pepper.
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Add the chicken strips and toss to coat thoroughly with the marinade.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
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If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
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Thread each chicken strip onto a skewer horizontally.
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Grill over medium heat 3–4 minutes per side until golden and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
For the sauce:
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Place all sauce ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
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Drizzle the sauce over the hot skewers and serve.
Notes
2. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breast; cut into strips.
3. For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of spicy harissa to the marinade.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like these summer favorites:
Refreshing Summer Gazpacho
Grilled Shrimp
Grilled Salmon with Simple Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
