This Harissa Chicken is a bold and spicy North African-inspired dish, featuring juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a homemade harissa spice blend and baked to perfection. The rich, smoky, and slightly tangy flavors make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Just marinate, bake, and serve!
- Customizable Heat – Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Packed with Flavor – A savory blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and harissa gives this dish a deep, complex taste.
- Healthy & Versatile – Low-carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and paleo.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons harissa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt, to taste
Directions
1. Make the Harissa Marinade
- In a small bowl, combine harissa powder, cumin, smoked paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to form a thick paste.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Rub the harissa paste evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Alternatively, place the chicken and marinade in a large bowl or sealable bag and mix until the chicken is fully covered.
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to let the flavors develop.
3. Bake the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking tray or rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Variations
- Extra Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the marinade.
- Grilled Version – Instead of baking, grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Mild Option – Use half the harissa powder and add a touch of Greek yogurt to the marinade.
- Honey Harissa – Add 1 tablespoon honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Crispier Skin – If using skin-on chicken, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
What to Serve with Harissa Chicken
- Rice or Couscous – Serve over fluffy couscous or jasmine rice.
- Grilled Vegetables – Pair with zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
- Mediterranean Salad – Enjoy with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad.
- Flatbread & Hummus – Serve with warm pita bread and hummus for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
What is harissa?
Harissa is a North African spice blend made from chili peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, and olive oil. It comes in powder or paste form and adds a spicy, smoky depth of flavor.
Can I use harissa paste instead of powder?
Yes! Use 1½ tablespoons of harissa paste instead of 2 tablespoons of harissa powder.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work, but adjust the cooking time to 16–18 minutes.
How can I make this dish milder?
Reduce the harissa powder to 1 tablespoon or mix it with Greek yogurt to soften the heat.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
What’s the best way to get extra crispy chicken?
Broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end for a slightly charred, crispy finish.
What can I serve with harissa chicken?
Pair with couscous, roasted vegetables, flatbread, or tzatziki sauce for a full meal.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Harissa chicken is low-carb and keto-friendly.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes! Overnight marinating deepens the flavors.
How do I make homemade harissa powder?
Mix 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp chili powder, ½ tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp ground coriander, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp salt.
Conclusion
This Harissa Chicken is spicy, bold, and full of North African flavors! Whether you bake, grill, or pan-sear it, this dish is effortless yet packed with taste. Perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or a flavor-packed dinner, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Try it today and bring the warmth of harissa to your kitchen!
Print
Harissa Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Harissa Chicken is a spicy, flavorful North African-inspired dish, featuring tender, oven-baked chicken thighs marinated in a homemade harissa paste with cumin, paprika, and lemon. Easy to make and adjustable in heat, this dish is perfect for meal prep, low-carb, keto, or paleo diets!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons harissa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Harissa Marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix together:
- Harissa powder
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt (to taste)
- Stir until a thick paste forms.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Rub the harissa paste evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Alternatively, place the chicken and marinade in a large bowl or sealable bag and mix well.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (for deeper flavor).
3. Bake the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest & Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy with rice, couscous, roasted veggies, or flatbread!
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Add extra harissa powder or red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Grill It: Instead of baking, grill over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with tzatziki, hummus, or a fresh cucumber salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+1 hour marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Meal Prep
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: North African, Mediterranean
