Get grilling and enjoy these unique and tasty Moroccan Open-faced Harissa Chicken Burgers for dinner tonight.
Today I’m serving up these juicy Moroccan-style open-faced Harissa Chicken Burgers with Yogurt Sauce. Spicy burgers topped with a cool creamy sauce flavoured with garlic, lemon and mint bring the flavours of North Africa to your kitchen table.
What could be better than a tasty gluten-free burger ready in less than 30 minutes?
A lean open-faced tasty gluten-free burger!
What is harissa paste?
Harissa is a spicy North African red pepper paste made from smoked chilies and spices. In this recipe, a cool yogurt sauce makes the perfect complement to these slightly spicy burgers.
There’s no need to fear harissa’s intense colour, as it’s not as spicy as you might first think.
You can make harissa paste yourself at home, but it’s readily available in the international food section of your supermarket. You can choose either regular or mild, depending on your family’s tastes.
This easy casual meal is not just for summertime grilling. I used an indoor grill to cook these to perfection, but you could quickly fry them if you prefer.
While lamb is a traditional Moroccan choice, I chose ground chicken for this recipe. I mixed in a little harissa paste and added lemon, garlic and fresh mint to get all those exotic North African flavours.
Having burgers or patties pre-made and stored in the freezer for busy days is an incredible time-saver. I rotate serving these Healthy Open Face Thai Chicken Burgers, Chipotle Chicken Burgers with Fresh Peach Salsa, these Crispy Baked Zucchini Patties with Lemon Tahini Dip and, of course, Salmon Patties, for which, I just realized, I have never posted my recipe!
What should I serve with these Harissa Chicken Burgers?
Serve these juicy Moroccan burgers with or without a bun, or serve on a small flatbread. Or keep your meal gluten-free and serve them on a slice of iceberg or romaine lettuce.
Top the chicken patties with a smear of harissa paste and a dollop of yogurt sauce. Stir a little fresh mint, lemon and garlic into some thick Greek yogurt and season with salt and pepper for a quick and easy topping.
Add some red onion rings, red pepper rings, cherry tomatoes, and serve with a side of Smoky Sweet Potato Wedges. To round out your meal, add a simple Rustic Tomato Salad or this delicious Heirloom Tomato Salad with Basil Capers and Feta. 
Get grilling and enjoy these healthy Moroccan Harissa Chicken Burgers tonight!
Get grilling and enjoy these unique and tasty Moroccan Harissa Chicken Burgers for dinner tonight. Slight spicy lean chicken burgers topped with a cool creamy sauce flavoured with garlic, lemon and mint bring the flavours of North Africa to your kitchen table. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp harissa paste plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup lemon juice from half a lemon
- 1 tbsp mint leaves finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- pinch salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mint leaves finely chopped
- 1/2 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- pinch salt and pepper
- red pepper rings, red onion rings, lettuce, cucumbers and/or tomatoes
Combine all burger ingredients and form into 4 patties. Grill or fry for 5 minutes on one side and 2 - 3 on the other. Grilling/frying time will depend on the temperature of your grill. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Internal temperature should be 165°F.
In a small bowl, mix Yogurt Sauce ingredients. Serve on top or beside the burgers.
More open-faced burger ideas:
Paleo Chicken Fajita Burgers with Tomatillo Guacamole
Healthy Open Face Thai Chicken Burgers
Chipotle Chicken Burgers with Fresh Peach Salsa
Crispy Baked Zucchini Patties with Lemon Tahini Dip
Kitchen items I recommend.
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Albert Bevia says
These open faced chicken burgers look like they would hit the spot, and that mint yogurt sauce sounds like it will take this dish to the next level! superb recipe 🙂
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks Albert! Yes, that sauce adds a nice contrast to the spicy burgers. It’s so quick to whip up. Thanks for stopping by.
Chef Markus Mueller says
I love Harissa! We used to make our own harissa paste at the restaurant I worked at in Halifax. We used it on seafood, lamb, and chicken, but it’s great for spicing up pasta sauces and soups.
I haven’t used it in years though, now I want to try this chicken sandwich! It looks so tasty not to mention easy to make!
Flavour & Savour says
I never thought about adding it to soup! I’ll bet it would add a nice touch to butternut soup. I stirred it into cauliflower rice yesterday–so good! You’re right–this hairssa chicken burger is quick and easy. I make a big batch and freeze the patties on a tray before packaging them. Great for busy nights.
Fouzia Husainy says
I love using harissa in my marinades especially for chicken. The harissa flavour should go well wth the yoghurt sauce you are serving. You can easily grill them in no time for a quick dinner and they look so delicious!
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks Fouzia,
Yes, the yogurt sauce makes a nice contrast to the spicy burgers. Thanks for commenting.
Vanessa | Zest & Simmer says
I always love a burger that’s a little unique, like this one here! The Moroccan flavours in this sound just wonderful! Yum!
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks Vanessa!
I like to switch things up, too and experiment with different flavours in burgers. This is one of our favourites!