Honey Harissa Chicken Skewers with Garlic Mint Sauce – A Smoky Sweet Grilled Dinner

Name: Honey Harissa Chicken Skewers with Garlic Mint Sauce
Prep time: PT-990191H10M52S
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: North African
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 3 tablespoons mild harissa paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons honey (plus extra for brushing); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 garlic cloves; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce); ½ cup plain yogurt; ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

May 13, 2026

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Honey Harissa Chicken Skewers with Garlic Mint Sauce

Ever had one of those summer evenings where you want something delicious off the grill but do not have the energy for a complicated meal? Yeah, I have been there too many times to count. That is exactly why these honey harissa chicken skewers have become my go-to when the grill is calling but my motivation is running low.

Honey Harrisa Chicken Skewers with Garlic Mint Sauce

The best part? You can toss the chicken in the marinade the night before, let those flavors soak in while you sleep, and dinner practically makes itself the next day. The honey and harissa work together to create this gorgeous sticky glaze that gets all caramelized and beautiful on the grill. Trust me, your backyard cookout guests are going to ask for the recipe.

And that garlic mint sauce? It comes together in under two minutes in a food processor. No chopping, no fuss. Just dump everything in and hit the button. It is cool and creamy, which pairs perfectly with the smoky heat from the harissa.

Speaking of harissa, if you have never cooked with it before, you are in for a treat. Harissa is a North African chili paste made from roasted red peppers, spices, and herbs. It is got this deep, smoky flavor that adds so much character to whatever you are cooking. You can find it in most grocery stores these days, usually near the hot sauces or in the international aisle. It comes in mild and spicy varieties, so you can pick your heat level.

Mild harissa gives you all that smoky pepper goodness without making your eyes water. If you like things spicy though, go ahead and grab the hot version. Just use it sparingly because it can really pack a punch. This recipe sticks with mild, but I will show you how to dial up the heat if that is your thing.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make these skewers happen. The list is short and sweet, which is exactly how I like it.

Chicken marinade:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you want them extra juicy)
Mild harissa paste
Olive oil
Honey
Salt
Black pepper

Garlic Sauce

Garlic cloves
Fresh lemon juice
Olive oil
Yogurt (regular works great, or use dairy-free if needed)
Fresh mint, chopped

Instructions

Ready to get grilling? Here is how to pull this together step by step.

For the chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into uniform strips about 1/2 inch wide. Keeping them the same size means they cook evenly and you get those nice charred grill marks on every piece.
Whisk together the mild harissa, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. That is your marinade right there.
Toss the chicken strips in the marinade until they are completely coated. Cover the bowl and stick it in the fridge for at least 3 hours. Overnight is even better if you have the time to plan ahead.
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This keeps them from burning up on the grill grates.
Thread the marinated chicken onto your skewers. Toss any leftover marinade because it has been in contact with raw chicken.
Get your grill going over medium heat. Honey caramelizes fast, so resist the urge to crank it up to high. Medium is the sweet spot here.
Grill the skewers, turning them every so often, until the chicken is cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F. That is the safe zone for chicken.
Optional but recommended: Brush a little extra honey on the skewers during the last minute of grilling. It gives them this gorgeous shiny finish.

For the sauce:

Throw the garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, and fresh mint into a food processor.
Blend until smooth, which usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. No chopping required!
Drizzle the sauce over your grilled skewers or serve it on the side for dipping.

Notes

Want more heat? Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of spicy harissa to your marinade. Taste as you go so you do not end up with something too intense.
Chicken thighs work too: They stay juicier and are more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them a bit. Just adjust your grilling time if needed.
Garnish for the win: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds color and a nice herby flavor that brightens everything up.
Dietary needs: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Swap in dairy-free yogurt if you need to skip dairy.
Leftovers: Cooked skewers stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the grill or in a skillet. The garlic mint sauce also keeps for 3 days and makes an excellent dip for veggies or pita.

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Tips for Grilling Honey Glazed Skewers

Grilling with honey can be a little tricky if you aren’t used to it. The natural sugars caramelize quickly, which is delicious but can go from golden to burnt in seconds. Here are a few tricks to help you nail it every time.

Stick with medium heat. I know high heat sounds like the way to get those perfect grill marks, but honey needs a gentler approach. Medium heat lets the chicken cook through while the honey slowly turns into that gorgeous golden glaze.

Stay close to the grill. Once those skewers are on, do not wander off. Turn them frequently so the sugar does not burn on any one side. If things start getting too dark too fast, shift the skewers to a cooler spot on the grill.

Save the extra honey for the very end. Brushing on that last bit of honey during the final minute gives you shine and sweetness without risking burnt edges. It is a small step that makes a big difference.

Serving Ideas for Your Grilled Chicken Skewers

These skewers are pretty flexible when it comes to sides. Whether you are feeding a crowd at a Memorial Day cookout or throwing together a quick weeknight meal, here are some ideas to round out your plate.

Couscous: Fluffy and light, it soaks up that garlic mint sauce beautifully.
Grilled pita: Warm pita is perfect for scooping up extra sauce and makes the whole meal feel like a spread.
Fresh salad: Try a simple cucumber and tomato salad or a Summer Panzanella for something bright and crunchy.
Grilled vegetables: Throw some zucchini, bell peppers, or onions on the grill right alongside your chicken.
Grain bowls: Slice the chicken off the skewers and pile it over rice or quinoa with a drizzle of that sauce.

And do not forget, that garlic mint sauce doubles as a dip for raw veggies, pita chips, or even a spread on sandwiches. Make extra because it goes fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is harissa paste made of?

Harissa paste is a spicy North African condiment made from roasted red peppers, chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway.

How long should I marinate chicken skewers?

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Longer marinating can make the chicken too acidic if the marinade contains lemon juice or vinegar.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for skewers?

Yes, chicken thighs work great for skewers. They are juicier and more flavorful than breasts, and they hold up well on the grill without drying out. Just cut them into uniform pieces.

What temperature should I grill chicken skewers?

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Grill the skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do I prevent honey from burning on the grill?

Honey can burn quickly due to its high sugar content. To prevent burning, brush the honey glaze onto the skewers only during the last 2 to 3 minutes of grilling, or use a lower heat setting. You can also dilute the honey with a little oil or lemon juice.

What can I serve with honey harissa chicken skewers?

These skewers pair well with sides like fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, a fresh cucumber tomato salad, or grilled vegetables. The garlic mint sauce also works as a dressing for a grain bowl.

Wrapping Up

These honey harissa chicken skewers with garlic mint sauce are such a fun way to shake up your grilling routine. The smoky sweet glaze and cool creamy sauce hit all the right notes, and the whole thing comes together with ingredients that are easy to find and even easier to work with.

Whether you are planning a big Memorial Day cookout or just want something special for a random Tuesday, this recipe delivers big flavor without a lot of fuss. Get the chicken marinating tonight, soak those skewers, and tomorrow’s dinner basically handles itself. If you are looking for more Mediterranean inspiration, check out this honey harissa chicken skewers recipe from AllRecipes or browse these honey harissa chicken skewers from Bon Appetit for even more ideas.

Happy grilling, friends! Enjoy every smoky, sweet, minty bite.

Honey Harissa Chicken Skewers with Garlic Mint Sauce – A Smoky Sweet Grilled Dinner