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Harissa Chicken

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Packed with bold flavors, this Harissa Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs with crispy skin. A simple marinade of harissa, honey, garlic, and spices ensures big flavor with minimal effort—a perfect dish for busy weeknights!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 51 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken:
  • 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • For the Marinade:
  • ½ cup harissa sauce or paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tbsp honey (up to 3 tbsp for added sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ¾ tsp fine sea salt
  • ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
  • Optional Garnish:
  • Chopped parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the harissa paste, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly in the harissa marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray.
  5. Roast the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the baking dish. Spoon any extra marinade over the chicken. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. For a slightly charred finish, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the skin crispy.
  • Freezer: Marinated but uncooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
  • Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before for the best flavor and easy prep the next day.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 16 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: African, Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 499
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 830mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 57g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg