Go Back
–+ servings
grilled whole chicken in a tray with limes and pomegranate
Print

Grilled Pomegranate Harissa Chicken

Grilled Pomegranate Harissa Chicken
Course Main
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 220kcal
Author Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ tablespoons Harissa paste
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
  • Salt
  • 3.3 pound (1.5 kg) whole chicken, giblets removed giblets removed

Instructions

Charcoal Barbeque Instructions

  • Fire up the barbeque and wait till the coals are medium hot.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the harissa, orange juice, olive oil, pomegranate molasses and salt and set aside.
  • Brush a little oil on the grill, then place the chicken breast side up on the coolest part of the barbeque. Make sure that there aren’t any coals directly under the chicken, you are trying to roast it, so it wants indirect heat. Remember, your barbecue is becoming an oven. After you have browned the skin, wrap the chicken in silver foil.
  • Then close the barbeque lid and cook for 80-90 minutes. The time depends on your barbeque so do check that the chicken juices run clear before taking it off the barbeque. Do turn the chicken half way through so it cooks evenly on all sides.
  • Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving it.
  • Notes - If cooking in an oven then roast the chicken for 30- 35 minutes at fan-assisted 180C / 200C / 400F / gas 6.

Gas Grill Instructions

  • Prepare the grill for indirect cooking over medium heat (about 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C). 
  • Prepare and season the chicken and oil the grill grates.
  • Place whole chicken on the grill with indirect heat, cover, and cook for 80-90 minutes rotating it halfway through so all sides cook evenly. 
  • Allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before carving it.

Notes

  • Pat dry your bird with a paper towel, prior to adding the marinade so the flavor is not diluted.
  • Feel free to baste your chicken with olive oil or melted butter when turning at the halfway point.
  • It is important to cook the meat on the cool side to avoid burnt meat or undercooked meat etc. Please do not be tempted to cook it quicker under high heat.
  • To make grilling easier, choose a smaller chicken less than 4 lb.
  • You can cook it straight as is, but if you want you can let it marinate for 2-3 hours for the flavor to soak in before cooking.
  • Allow the meat to rest before carving so that the juices redistribute for moist meat.
  • Save the chicken carcass for making chicken stock for all your home cooking needs.
  • Keep chicken in an airtight container or ziptop bag inside the fridge for up to a week.
  • There are 6 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 101mg | Potassium: 189mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 155IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.8mg