Yogurt Harissa Chicken Skewers

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Get ready to elevate your chicken game! This incredible chicken recipe is not just a tasty dinner option, but also a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious meal. It's a household favorite over here, especially because using my Cosori Air fryer makes cooking it a breeze, no more dealing with greasy pans!

Marinade the chicken in the harissa paste

If you love to meal prep in advance, then this dish is perfect for you! Meal prepping can save so much time during the week, and this recipe makes it easy to get ahead. I personally love to mix the marinade a day ahead and let the chicken soak in it overnight, allowing all the flavors to really meld together. This not only enhances the taste, but it also cuts down on cooking time the next day. Marinating overnight gives you juicy, flavorful chicken that’s ready to go when you need it, making your meal even more convenient.

However, I understand that not everyone has the luxury of planning ahead, and that’s okay! If you’re short on time, you can always marinate the chicken just an hour before cooking, or even while you prepare your side dishes. This flexibility makes the recipe adaptable to any schedule, whether you're meal prepping for the week or just making a quick dinner for tonight.

One tip I highly recommend is using plastic bags to store the marinated chicken. Not only does this help to keep your fridge and kitchen area clean, but it also minimizes the risk of cross-contamination. The plastic bag method is a quick and easy way to keep the marinade contained, ensuring you don’t spill any liquid or make a mess. When marinating in a bag, there’s less need to worry about bacteria spreading in your kitchen, helping you maintain a safe and hygienic cooking environment.

Whether you’re prepping ahead or cooking on the spot, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s all about making your cooking experience as smooth and efficient as possible while still delivering a delicious, mouth-watering meal.

Ways to eat this delicious chicken recipe

When prepping the chicken, I like to cut it into bite-sized cubes, which makes it easier to cook and allows the marinade to coat the chicken more thoroughly. After that, I thread the marinated chicken cubes onto bamboo skewers, making them perfect for air frying. Cooking them this way gives the chicken a nice char and crispy edges while keeping the inside tender and juicy. However, if you don’t have skewers, don’t worry—you can easily place the diced chicken cubes directly into the air fryer basket. This method still delivers a delicious result, though it might not have the same grilled appearance or texture as the skewered version, but it’s just as tasty and convenient.

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this harissa-marinated chicken, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different meals throughout the week. I always love serving it as a complete dinner, often paired with basmati white rice, which soaks up the flavors beautifully. Alternatively, you could serve it with creamy hummus, a vibrant Mediterranean salad full of fresh ingredients, or even some roasted veggies for a wholesome, balanced meal. Chickpeas or falafels are also fantastic sides that complement the bold, spicy flavors of the chicken. The great thing about this dish is that it’s so adaptable to your preferences or whatever you have on hand in your pantry.

When I’m looking for inspiration, I often think about the toppings you might add to a bowl at places like Cava, where you can customize your meal with so many tasty options. This is a great way to get creative with the meal, whether it’s adding extra veggies, crunchy toppings, or a drizzle of sauce. I always make sure to prepare enough so that I have leftovers for the next day—this way, I get to enjoy the deliciousness again without much extra effort.

For those leftovers, my go-to way to serve the chicken is by making a kebab-style wrap using soft pita or naan bread. I add fresh veggies, a generous spoonful of cool tzatziki sauce, and tangy pickled onions. It’s the perfect way to transform your dinner into a whole new meal with minimal prep. The flavors blend together so wonderfully, and the pita or naan wraps everything up into a satisfying, handheld treat. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or packing it for lunch, this harissa chicken is sure to keep you coming back for more!

Toppings shown in the harissa chicken skewers recipe and video:

• Yogurt harissa chicken skewers

• falafels

• romaine lettuce

• Persian cucumber

• Kalamata olives

• pickled red onions

• feta cheese

• tzatziki sauce