Mediterranean Greek Chicken Mezze Platter with Harissa Sauce
This Mediterranean Greek Chicken Mezze Platter is a vibrant and shareable dish that brings together tender, marinated chicken strips with a colorful assortment of dips, fresh veggies, and warm pita. What makes this platter stand out is the smoky-spicy harissa sauce that adds a bold kick, perfectly balancing the creamy hummus and refreshing tzatziki. It’s a feast-style meal that’s easy to prepare, great for entertaining, and customizable to everyone’s tastes.
Time
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Mezze Platter:
1 cup hummus
1 cup tzatziki
½ cup Kalamata olives
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Warm pita or flatbread, cut into wedges
Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Harissa Sauce:
2 tbsp harissa paste
2 tbsp Greek yogurt (or mayo for richer texture)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips and toss well to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
Cook the chicken:
Grill or stovetop: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken strips for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and golden brown.
Oven option: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make the harissa sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together harissa paste, Greek yogurt (or mayo), lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Adjust spice level by adding more or less harissa.
Assemble the mezze platter:
On a large serving board or platter, arrange the hummus, tzatziki, olives, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta. Add warm pita wedges on the side.
Finish with chicken & sauce:
Place the warm chicken strips in the center of the platter. Drizzle or serve with harissa sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve:
Enjoy as a shared platter, letting everyone scoop, dip, and wrap their favorite combinations.
Tips & Variations
Protein swaps: Replace chicken with lamb, beef strips, shrimp, or salmon. For a vegetarian version, use grilled halloumi, falafel, or roasted chickpeas.
Spice control: Adjust the heat of the harissa sauce by mixing in more Greek yogurt (for milder) or extra harissa paste (for spicier).
Extra dips: Expand your mezze platter with baba ganoush, muhammara (red pepper–walnut dip), or labneh for added variety.
Fresh herbs: Add fresh mint or dill alongside parsley for more brightness.
Add grains: Serve the platter with cooked couscous, bulgur, or quinoa to make it more filling.
Pita upgrade: Lightly grill or toast the pita wedges for a smoky flavor. You can also swap pita with lavash or naan.
Veggie boost: Include roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant slices for extra color and flavor.
Nutty garnish: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, pistachios, or almonds over the dips for crunch.
Make-ahead: Marinate the chicken a day in advance and prep the vegetables early. Just cook the chicken fresh before serving.
Q&A
Q: Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Yes. You can chop the vegetables, prepare the dips, and even make the harissa sauce a day in advance. Cook the chicken just before serving for the best flavor and juiciness.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. For extra color, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level?
Mix more Greek yogurt into the harissa sauce for a milder flavor, or add extra harissa paste for heat. Serve the sauce on the side so guests can control the spice.
Q: What else can I include on the mezze platter?
You can add baba ganoush, muhammara, roasted vegetables, stuffed grape leaves (dolmas), or additional grains like couscous or quinoa for variety and bulk.
Q: Is this dish family-friendly?
Yes. Simply reduce the harissa for younger or spice-sensitive eaters, and let everyone assemble their own wraps with pita and dips.
Nutrition
(per serving, 4 servings)
Calories: ~470
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 5g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Sodium: ~780mg
(Values are approximate and may vary based on portion sizes, chicken type, and dip ingredients.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Greek Chicken Mezze Platter with Harissa Sauce is a vibrant, shareable meal that combines smoky, marinated chicken with fresh vegetables, creamy dips, and warm pita. Its bold flavors and colorful presentation make it perfect for family dinners, casual entertaining, or a mezze-style feast. The platter is versatile, customizable, and balanced, offering protein, vegetables, and healthy fats in a visually stunning spread that everyone will enjoy.