Honey Harrisa Chicken Skewers With Garlic Mint Sauce for Easy Grilling

Name: Honey Harrisa Chicken Skewers With Garlic Mint Sauce
Prep time: 3 h 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 3 h 28 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch strips (or use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness); 3 tablespoons mild harissa paste; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey (raw honey adds wonderful complexity); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper; 3 crushed garlic cloves; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 5 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons natural or Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

May 29, 2026

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Honey Harrisa Chicken Skewers with Garlic Mint Sauce

I absolutely love the moment when a new recipe becomes an instant summer staple. These Honey Harrisa Chicken Skewers with Garlic Mint Sauce did exactly that for me. The first time I whisked together mild harissa paste, fragrant honey, and good olive oil, I knew this was a marinade I would reach for again and again. It brings a smoky, gently spicy depth and develops the most beautiful caramelized crust on the grill. Paired with a cool, garlicky mint yogurt sauce, each skewer feels like a little trip to the Mediterranean. If you are looking for easy grilled chicken skewers that come together with pantry ingredients but taste like a special occasion, please try this recipe. We are going to make a batch of juicy, golden skewers that you can pull together quickly for a weeknight dinner or lay out for a sunny backyard gathering.

Harissa is a North African chili paste made from red peppers, garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. It brings a smoky, spicy depth that plain chili flakes simply cannot match. Here in the U.S., you can find harissa paste at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, World Market, and many online retailers. If you feel adventurous, you can even make a homemade version by blending dried chiles, garlic, spices, and oil. For less heat, choose mild harissa or stir in a little extra honey. For more kick, use a hot variety or add a pinch of cayenne. This balance between sweet honey and warm spice is the heart of the dish, and it also helps create that irresistible caramelized exterior when grilled or broiled.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top choice for skewers because they stay noticeably juicier than breasts, but breasts work beautifully too. If you go with breasts, cut them into uniform ½-inch strips (or 1½-inch cubes) so every piece cooks evenly. You will want to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember that once you pass the 1-hour mark, the bowl must go into the fridge for food safety. And never reuse the raw marinade as a sauce unless you boil it first to kill any bacteria. A few simple habits like this keep everything safe and delicious.

If you are serious about Mediterranean-inspired summer meals, you will also love our Honey Harissa Chicken Skewers and Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken Skewers. Both bring bold flavor and come together with the same no-fuss approach. This particular recipe was directly inspired by the vibrant Honey Harissa Chicken Skewers from The Mediterranean Dish.

Ingredients

The ingredients are broken into two simple groups: the chicken marinade and the garlic sauce.

Everything is easy to find in a regular grocery store.

Chicken marinade

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch strips (or use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness)
3 tablespoons mild harissa paste
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey (raw honey adds wonderful complexity)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Garlic Sauce

3 crushed garlic cloves
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
5 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons natural or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

Instructions

For the chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mild harissa, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until combined.
Add the chicken strips and mix well until every piece is evenly coated with the marinade.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. (If you are short on time, 30 minutes at room temperature works, but always move it to the refrigerator if marinating longer than 1 hour.)
About 30-60 minutes before grilling, soak wooden skewers in water so they do not burn.
Thread each chicken strip horizontally onto a soaked skewer.
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a two-zone grilling method if needed: sear over direct heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning the outside.

Alternative cooking methods: If you are using a broiler, place the skewers on a broiler pan and broil on high for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. In an air fryer, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping once. In all cases, confirm 165°F with a meat thermometer and that the juices run clear.

For the sauce

Place the crushed garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, and chopped fresh mint into a food processor.
Process until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a small splash of water or buttermilk.
Drizzle the garlic mint sauce generously over the hot skewers right before serving. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Make it spicier: If you enjoy more heat, add ½ teaspoon of spicy harissa or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
Protein swaps: This recipe also works with lamb, shrimp, or extra-firm tofu. Adjust grilling times accordingly.
Add vegetables: Thread bell pepper squares, red onion chunks, or zucchini rounds onto the skewers alongside the chicken for a complete meal.
Serving ideas: Serve with warm pita bread, couscous, basmati rice, or a Mediterranean salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta. For a low-carb option, spoon the skewers over cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens.
Make ahead: The garlic mint sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Its flavors become even better as they meld. Leftover chicken keeps for up to 3 days and is wonderful sliced over salads, stuffed into pita with the sauce, or tossed into grain bowls.
Food safety reminder: Never reuse the uncooked marinade as a sauce. If you want to turn it into a serving sauce, bring it to a rolling boil first to kill any harmful bacteria.
Sauce variations: For extra tang, substitute labneh or sour cream for the yogurt. The sauce also doubles as a fantastic dip for pita chips or raw vegetables, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Garnish tip: A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over the skewers adds a dramatic look and a bright, herbal note.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken for honey harissa chicken skewers?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Longer marinating deepens the flavor, but avoid overnight as the honey and acid can break down the meat.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for these skewers?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breast, but thighs stay juicier on the grill. If using breast, cut into uniform pieces and watch cooking time carefully to prevent drying out.

What is harissa paste and where can I find it?

Harissa is a North African chili paste made from roasted red peppers, chili peppers, garlic, and spices like cumin and coriander. It is available in the international aisle of most US grocery stores or online.

How do I make the garlic mint sauce for these skewers?

Combine plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped fresh mint, lemon juice, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld.

Can I cook these skewers in an air fryer instead of on a grill?

Yes. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the skewers for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How do I store leftover garlic mint sauce?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the yogurt may separate slightly.

Honey Harrisa Chicken Skewers With Garlic Mint Sauce for Easy Grilling