Today, I'm taking you on a journey into the captivating world of Moroccan cuisine with my “Smoked BBQ Chicken with Harissa” recipe. Get ready to be transported to new heights of flavor and spice!
An intense, flavor-packed recipe inspired by North African cuisine, where the subtle heat of homemade harissa meets the tenderness of slow-smoked chicken. Easy to prepare and low in added fats, this version is both bold and health-conscious.
🔥 Recipe Origins
Harissa is traditionally a chili paste used throughout North Africa. In this version, it’s made from scratch and used as a marinade to infuse the chicken with deep flavor that stands up to the smoke. The whole dish is grilled indirectly for controlled, savory cooking.
🕒 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep: 10 min (+ 8h marinating)
- Cook: 2 hours
- Total: ~10 hours with resting
- Servings: 6
🍗 Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (~2 kg)
- 3 tbsp ground red chili
- 1.5 tsp ground coriander
- 1.5 tsp ground cumin
- 1.5 tsp ground caraway or fennel
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the harissa by mixing all the ingredients in a bowl. Adjust the oil to reach your desired texture.
- Butterfly the chicken by removing the backbone. Generously rub the harissa on all sides and under the skin. Let it marinate for at least 8 hours.
- Preheat your BBQ for indirect heat at 300–355°F (150–180°C).
- Place the chicken on the grill away from the coals. Add a wood chunk for smoke.
- Close the lid and cook for about 2 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 162°F (72°C) in the breast and 176°F (80°C) in the thighs.
🍷 Pairings
A light and spicy red wine, such as a Côtes-du-Rhône or a chilled Pinot Noir, will elevate the harissa without overpowering the dish. For an alcohol-free option, try a peppery pomegranate juice or cold mint infusion to complement the spices.
🍽️ Serving Tips
Carve the chicken before serving and pair with roasted vegetables or lemon-herb couscous. A squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of plain yogurt helps balance the heat of the harissa.
🥗 Health Variant
For a lighter version:
- Remove the skin before eating.
- Use only 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Serve with oil-free roasted vegetables as a side.
🧾 Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/6 chicken (~330 g with harissa)
Energy: 692 kcal 🟧
| Total Fat | 32.3 g | 🟧 |
| … Saturated Fat | 8.4 g | 🟧 |
| … Omega-3s | 0.7 g | 🟩 |
| Carbohydrates | 2.2 g | 🟩 |
| … Sugars | 0.3 g | 🟩 |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 🟩 |
| Protein | 93.9 g | 🟩 |
| Cholesterol | 300 mg | 🟥 |
| Salt | 0.5 g | 🟨 |
*DV: Daily Value based on a standard 2,000 kcal diet.
🧬 Health sheet – Cancer + Diabetes
Smoked BBQ chicken with homemade harissa is a bold and aromatic dish built on simple ingredients and indirect cooking. It offers an excellent source of protein, a low glycemic load, and a moderate use of fats — making it a great fit for several healthy nutritional approaches.
🧬 Click to expand
🧬 Cancer Risks and Prevention
The low-temperature, indirect cooking method (150–180°C / 300–355°F) significantly reduces the formation of toxic compounds such as PAHs and HCAs. The absence of visible charring and the use of antioxidant-rich spices (cumin, caraway, red chili) further enhance the protective profile of this recipe. However, consuming meat without a vegetable side remains a drawback — adding fiber and antioxidant-rich vegetables is highly recommended to optimize the protective benefits.
🩸 Diabetes and Metabolic Health
With only 2.2 g of carbs per serving, this dish is perfectly suited for low-glycemic diets. The high protein content (over 90 g per serving) supports satiety, muscle maintenance, and stable blood sugar levels. Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Even with the skin on, the calorie density remains moderate — a valuable feature for metabolic stabilization phases.
🧠 Practical Tips
- Always serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh herb-rich salad (mint, parsley, cilantro) to boost micronutrient intake.
- If managing weight, remove the skin or slightly reduce the oil in the harissa.
- This recipe fits well within a spiced, Mediterranean-style diet with portion control.
✅ Summary
A healthy, satisfying, and fire-grilled dish perfect for health-conscious BBQ lovers. Its bold flavor and well-balanced nutritional profile make it an ideal option for those who want to enjoy real barbecue without compromising their health.
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