There’s something truly special about dishes that warm you from the inside out, and Harissa Chicken is one of those meals. This fiery, aromatic dish comes straight from North Africa, where bold spices and deep flavors are a way of life. If you love a bit of heat in your meals, this recipe is a must-try!
Harissa, a traditional North African chili paste, is the star ingredient here. It brings together smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors, making every bite of this chicken rich and satisfying. In North African households, harissa is a staple—used in everything from stews to marinades. It’s the kind of ingredient that transforms simple dishes into something extraordinary.’
This harissa chicken is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with deep, complex flavors while you go about your day. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Spicy Flavors – If you enjoy heat, harissa brings just the right amount of spice, balanced with smoky and tangy notes.
- Easy to Prepare – With just a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful meal ready with minimal effort.
- Versatile Cooking Methods – Grill, bake, or pan-sear—this recipe works no matter how you like to cook your chicken.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make extra and enjoy it throughout the week in salads, wraps, or rice bowls.
- Healthy and Low-Carb – This dish is naturally low in carbs and packed with protein, making it a great choice for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a slight balance of flavors)
How to Make Harissa Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
The key to deeply flavorful harissa chicken is a well-seasoned marinade. In a small bowl, combine the harissa paste, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, minced garlic, and honey (if using). Stir everything together until it forms a smooth, thick paste.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) will make it even more delicious.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Oven Method:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. Roast for about 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Grill Method:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior.
Stovetop Method:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes per side until it’s fully cooked and has a deep golden-brown crust.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Serve with a side of couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level – Harissa varies in heat, depending on the brand. If you’re unsure, start with a little and add more to taste.
- Use Skin-On Chicken for More Flavor – The crispy, charred skin adds an extra layer of deliciousness. If you prefer skinless chicken, you can still use this recipe, but reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Marinate Overnight for Best Results – The longer the chicken sits in the harissa marinade, the deeper the flavor will be.
- Try Different Cuts of Chicken – This recipe works well with boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (excluding marination)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Grilling, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: North African
- Diet: Low-Carb, High-Protein
Notes
- If using boneless chicken, reduce cooking time to avoid drying it out.
- Serve with a cooling yogurt sauce if you prefer a milder spice level.
- Leftover chicken is great in wraps, grain bowls, or chopped up in a salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe with Store-Bought Harissa?
Yes! Store-bought harissa paste works great for this recipe. Just be sure to check the spice level, as some brands are hotter than others.
What Can I Serve with Harissa Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with couscous, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Mediterranean salad. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.
How Spicy Is This Dish?
The spice level depends on the harissa paste you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
Can I Cook This in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat.
Freezer: You can freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the cooking instructions.
Related Recipes
If you loved this harissa chicken, you might also enjoy:
Conclusion
Harissa Chicken is a fantastic way to bring bold North African flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of smoky harissa, aromatic spices, and juicy chicken makes this dish an absolute winner. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this easy, flavorful recipe is sure to impress.
Give it a try, and let me know how you like it! Would you tweak the spice level or add any personal touches? I’d love to hear your take on it! Happy cooking!
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Harissa Chicken – Spicy North African Chicken
Description
There’s something truly special about dishes that warm you from the inside out, and Harissa Chicken is one of those meals. This fiery, aromatic dish comes straight from North Africa, where bold spices and deep flavors are a way of life. If you love a bit of heat in your meals, this recipe is a must-try!
Harissa, a traditional North African chili paste, is the star ingredient here. It brings together smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors, making every bite of this chicken rich and satisfying. In North African households, harissa is a staple—used in everything from stews to marinades. It’s the kind of ingredient that transforms simple dishes into something extraordinary.
This harissa chicken is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with deep, complex flavors while you go about your day. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a slight balance of flavors)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
The key to deeply flavorful harissa chicken is a well-seasoned marinade. In a small bowl, combine the harissa paste, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, minced garlic, and honey (if using). Stir everything together until it forms a smooth, thick paste.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) will make it even more delicious.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Oven Method:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. Roast for about 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Grill Method:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior.
Stovetop Method:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes per side until it’s fully cooked and has a deep golden-brown crust.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Serve with a side of couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- If using boneless chicken, reduce cooking time to avoid drying it out.
- Serve with a cooling yogurt sauce if you prefer a milder spice level.
- Leftover chicken is great in wraps, grain bowls, or chopped up in a salad.