Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelised Onion Hummus

Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelised Onion Hummus is a deliciously satisfying dish inspired by Middle Eastern shawarma plates. The combination of tender, spice-infused chicken and silky hummus creates a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether served with a fresh salad or wrapped in warm flatbread, this dish makes for an irresistible midweek dinner. The balance of spices, caramelised onion, and creamy hummus ensures that each bite is bursting with flavour and texture.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Why Chicken Thighs Are the Best Choice
• The Art of a Good Marinade
• Achieving Perfectly Grilled Chicken
• The Importance of Resting the Chicken
• Serving Suggestions
• More Chicken Recipes

Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavourful, perfect for absorbing marinades.
• Olive oil: Enhances the richness of the marinade and keeps the chicken moist.
• Harissa spice powder or ras el hanout: Adds warmth and depth of flavour.
• Garlic powder: Boosts savoury notes with an aromatic touch.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
• Lemon juice: Lends brightness and a slight tang.
• Caramelised onion hummus: A velvety base that complements the spice and smokiness.

Why Chicken Thighs Are the Best Choice

When it comes to Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelised Onion Hummus, chicken thighs are the superior cut. Unlike chicken breast, which can dry out easily, thighs remain juicy and tender thanks to their slightly higher fat content. This makes them particularly well-suited for grilling, as the natural fats help retain moisture, even under high heat. Their rich flavour allows them to stand up to bold spice blends, absorbing marinades more effectively than leaner cuts. 

Another advantage of chicken thighs is their forgiving nature. Even if they cook a few minutes longer than necessary, they still remain succulent. In contrast, overcooked chicken breast becomes tough and stringy. Boneless, skinless thigh fillets also cook quickly, making them an ideal choice for midweek meals. Their affordability and superior taste make them a fantastic option.

The Art of a Good Marinade

A well-balanced marinade transforms Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelised Onion Hummus into something truly special. Olive oil carries the spices deep into the chicken, ensuring a juicy texture. Harissa or ras el hanout introduces warmth, with subtle floral and earthy undertones. Garlic powder intensifies the umami, making each bite more savoury. Salt and black pepper help to bring all the elements together, while lemon juice delivers the necessary acidity to brighten the dish. 

Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally up to four hours, maximises the depth of flavour. The longer it sits, the more intense and well-rounded the seasoning becomes. When cooked, the chicken boasts a deeply aromatic profile that pairs beautifully with the creamy, slightly sweet hummus. This marinade ensures that every mouthful is satisfying, with a perfect blend of spice and succulence.

Achieving Perfectly Grilled Chicken

Grilling the chicken correctly is key to achieving the right balance of tenderness and char. Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe, as they retain moisture better than breast meat. To begin, arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on a foil-lined baking tray to allow for even cooking. A high-heat grill mimics the traditional open-flame cooking method used in shawarma, creating a lightly crisp exterior while preserving the juiciness inside. The chicken should be grilled for about 20 to 25 minutes, ensuring it is cooked through yet still succulent. 

Resting the chicken after cooking is just as important as the grilling process itself. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each slice remains tender. Once rested, the chicken can be thinly sliced for layering over the hummus or wrapped in flatbread. This method guarantees a beautifully spiced and well-cooked protein every time.

The Importance of Resting the Chicken

Many home cooks underestimate the significance of resting grilled meat, yet it is one of the most crucial steps in ensuring a juicy and flavourful dish. When Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelised Onion Hummus comes off the grill, the heat forces the juices to the surface. If sliced immediately, these juices escape, leaving the meat drier than desired.

Allowing the chicken to rest, tented loosely with foil, enables the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This process takes about five minutes but makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavour. The result is chicken that remains moist and tender, with every bite infused with the rich spices of the marinade. Resting also allows the exterior to set slightly, making it easier to slice into neat, even pieces. This seemingly small step elevates the overall eating experience, ensuring that the chicken is as succulent as possible when paired with the creamy hummus.

Serving Suggestions

Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelised Onion Hummus can be enjoyed in several ways, making it a versatile addition to any meal rotation. A simple yet effective serving option is to pair it with a fresh salad. A combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tahini-based dressing enhances the overall Mediterranean-inspired feel of the dish. 

For those craving something heartier, serve the chicken and hummus with fluffy couscous or fragrant basmati rice. Another fantastic way to enjoy this dish is by wrapping the sliced chicken and hummus in warm flatbread. Adding fresh herbs, pickled onions, and a drizzle of yoghurt creates a street-food-style wrap that is bursting with flavour.

More Chicken Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed making these Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelised Onion Hummus, here are some more of my recipes I think you’ll like:

• Chicken Parm: A classic chicken parm, no frills, no fuss. Each cutlet is then topped with a simple yet rich homemade tomato sauce and finished with yet more parmigiano reggiano and mozzarella. 
• Chimichurri Chicken: Chicken so good it’ll make you dance! The chicken is marinated in a tasty combination of herbs and spices then seared until perfectly cooked and juicy. 
• Kimchi Chicken Katsu: This kimchi chicken katsu recipe puts a Korean spin on a Japanese classic. The chicken gets marinated in kimchi juice, before being breaded and fried to golden perfection. 
• Chicken Biryani: This recipe is an homage to the iconic Hyderabadi Biryani, a perfect blend of Mughlai and Telugu culinary traditions. 
• Grilled Garlic & Lemon Chicken Thighs:  The combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs creates a marinade that deeply infuses the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent and aromatic. Whether cooked over an open flame or roasted in the oven, these chicken thighs turn out juicy, golden, and packed with zest. 

If you’d like to see how I make all these recipes and more, head on over to my Instagram!