Harissa-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Lemon Herb Rice
45 Minutes
Mediterranean
Serves: 4
Bold, bright, and beautifully balanced — these Harissa-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Lemon Herb Rice are a flavor-packed nod to Mediterranean home cooking. Juicy chicken thighs marinated in harissa, Greek yogurt, and spices are roasted to perfection, then served over a bed of Royal® Ready-to-Heat Lemon Garlic & Herb Rice, infused with zesty citrus notes and fresh herbs. Each bite combines smoky heat, the sweetness of golden roasted beets, the tang of capers, and the crunch of toasted pistachios, finished with a cooling cucumber-mint yogurt sauce. Ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe transforms a simple weeknight dinner into an elevated experience — proof that quick meals can still taste gourmet.
Ingredients
- Royal Ready-to-Heat Lemon Garlic & Herb, 1 pouch
- Chicken thighs, 1 pound, boneless/skinless, cut into 1-2” chunks
- Harissa, 3 Tbsp
- Greek yogurt, ½ cup
- Olive oil, 2 Tbsp + more for roasting
- Ground cumin, 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika, 1 tsp
- Salt, 1 tsp + more to taste
- Golden beets, 2, peeled and cut into wedges
- Capers, 2 Tbsp
- Pistachios, toasted and roughly chopped, ¼ cup
For the cucumber yogurt sauce:
- Mini cucumber, 1, grated
- Greek yogurt, ½ cup
- Lemon juice, 1 Tbsp
- Fresh mint, 2 Tbsp, chopped
- Salt, a pinch
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine harissa, Greek yogurt, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread beet wedges on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
- To make the cucumber yogurt sauce, in a small bowl, mix grated cucumber with the yogurt, lemon juice, and mint. Thin out with a little water if needed. Season with a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to serve.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Roast on a baking sheet or grill pan at 425°F for 15–18 minutes, turning once, until cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
- Microwave Royal Ready-to-Heat Lemon Garlic & Herb pouch according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and spread across a large platter.
- Arrange chicken skewers over the rice. Scatter roasted beets, capers, and pistachios on top. Serve the cucumber yogurt sauce on the side.
