Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something irresistible about the aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen—it’s like a warm embrace from the heart of North Africa. In my journey to create a cozy yet vibrant meal, I stumbled upon this Spicy Harissa Chicken recipe, which has quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights and lively dinner parties alike. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can dive into this easy-to-make dish that’s rich in flavor and incredibly versatile. Whether you roast it in the oven or fire up the grill, this harissa chicken not only pleases the palate but also offers a chance to control the heat level, making it suitable for everyone at your table. Ready to transform your chicken game? Let’s embark on this flavorful adventure together! Why is Harissa Chicken a Must-Try? Irresistible Aroma: The moment you marinate your chicken in that fragrant blend of harissa and spices, your kitchen will smell like a culinary paradise. Effortless Meal Prep: With just 10 minutes of active prep time, this dish fits perfectly into your busy schedule, making weeknight dinners a breeze! Versatile Cooking Options: Grill, bake, or sauté—this recipe adapts to your cooking style. Enjoy it as a main dish paired with sides or sliced up in wraps. Flavor Explosion: Experience the bold flavors and customizable heat of harissa, offering a delightful kick that pleases every palate. Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this at your next gathering, and watch your guests’ faces light up with delight. It’s the game-changer for any dinner party! Quick Cleanup: With minimal dishes involved, you can enjoy your delicious meal and relaxation without the fuss. Who wouldn’t love that? For more delightful options, try out these Garlic Chicken Thighs or our flavorful BBQ Chicken Mac. Harissa Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – The best option for juicy flavor; chicken breasts can also be used but are more prone to drying out. • Garlic (10 cloves, minced) – Brings aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor profile. • Harissa Paste (2 tablespoons) – The star of the dish; adjust for heat preference, making this harissa chicken customizable. • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/4 cup) – Adds richness and helps the marinade to adhere perfectly. • Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons) – Provides a zesty acidity that balances the flavors beautifully. • Balsamic Vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Enhances sweetness and depth in your marinade. • Ground Cumin (1 tablespoon) – Infuses warmth and an earthy undertone to the dish. • Ground Coriander (1 tablespoon) – Complements harissa with bright citrus notes. • Smoked Paprika (2 teaspoons) – Adds a lovely smoky flavor that elevates the dish. • Ground Cardamom (2 teaspoons) – Infuses a sweet-spicy flavor, giving depth to the harissa chicken. • Salt (1 teaspoon) – Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste. • Onion Powder (1 teaspoon) – Contributes herbal sweetness that rounds out the flavors. • Freshly Ground Pepper (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor profile. • Ground Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon) – Adds a hint of sweetness to the spice mix. For the Sauce (Optional) • Greek Yogurt (1 cup) – Provides creamy texture and tanginess that pairs wonderfully with the chicken. • Fresh Cilantro (1/3 cup, packed) – Adds a refreshing touch to your yogurt sauce. • Fresh Parsley (1/3 cup, packed) – Brings brightness and additional flavor to the sauce. • Additional Garlic for Sauce (2 cloves, peeled) – Boosts flavor in the yogurt dip. • Lemon Juice for Sauce (2 tablespoons) – Ensures an inviting zesty component. • Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Helps season the sauce for balanced flavor. • Pepper (1/4 teaspoon) – Enhances the depth of taste in the sauce. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Harissa Chicken Step 1: Marinate the Chicken In a large bowl or plastic bag, whisk together 2 tablespoons of harissa paste, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 10 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, cardamom, salt, onion powder, pepper, and cinnamon). Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours to allow the flavors of the harissa chicken to meld. Step 2: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce While the chicken marinates, prepare the optional yogurt sauce. In a blender, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup packed fresh cilantro, 1/3 cup packed fresh parsley, 2 peeled garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, then transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to develop while you cook the harissa chicken. Step 3: Cook the Chicken on the Grill Preheat your grill to medium heat, ideally between 400°F and 450°F. Remove the marinated harissa chicken from the fridge and place it on the grill grates. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F, indicated by a nice golden-brown char on the outside and juicy meat inside. Step 4: Cook the Chicken on the Stovetop If you prefer the stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Remove the marinated harissa chicken from the fridge, placing a few thighs in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, covering the skillet to ensure the chicken cooks evenly through its center, until the internal temperature reaches 170°F. Step 5: Cook the Chicken in the Oven For an oven-baked version, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the marinated harissa chicken thighs on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature hits 175°F and the chicken is nicely caramelized on the edges. Step 6: Rest and Serve Once cooked through, remove the harissa chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Slice the chicken and serve it with the prepared yogurt sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, and enjoy the vibrant flavors. Expert Tips for Harissa Chicken Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your harissa chicken is cooked properly by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 175°F for thighs to guarantee juicy perfection. Avoid Poking Holes: Don’t poke holes in the chicken before marinating. This will help retain moisture, keeping your harissa chicken tender and succulent. Marination Time Matters: Aim to marinate for at least 4 hours, but do not exceed 24 hours. Over-marination can lead to mushiness, affecting the texture. Room Temperature Prep: Let your marinated chicken come to room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook evenly, preventing the outside from burning while the inside remains undercooked. Customize the Heat: Start with a small amount of harissa paste if you’re unsure about the spice level. You can always add more to suit everyone’s tastes! Storage Tips for Harissa Chicken Fridge: Store marinated harissa chicken in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Cooked chicken can last 3-5 days in the fridge, ensuring optimal flavor and freshness. Freezer: Freeze uncooked harissa chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: For reheating, place cooked harissa chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful to avoid drying it out. Thawing: When ready to use frozen harissa chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for safe and even cooking. What to Serve with Spicy Harissa Chicken Thighs Imagine a burst of flavors dancing on your palate, complemented by delightful sides that elevate your meal to new heights. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with fresh veggies and herbs creates a light, refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables caramelized to perfection adds sweetness and color to your plate, balancing the heat beautifully. Creamy Greek Yogurt Dip: A cool and tangy yogurt sauce harmonizes with the spiciness of the chicken, providing a soothing dip that everyone will love. Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita bread serves as a perfect vessel to scoop up the harissa chicken or wrap it up for a flavorful bite on the go. Minted Quinoa: The nutty flavor of quinoa paired with fresh mint brings a lovely texture and freshness that enhances each mouthful of chicken. Spicy Slaw: A crunchy slaw dressed in a zesty vinaigrette adds vibrant crunch and complements the savory notes of the harissa. Chilled White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc offers a crisp finish that cools the heat from the chicken while highlighting its spices. Honey-Drenched Baklava: For dessert, this sweet and flaky treat creates a glorious finale with its hint of nutty sweetness, rounding out your flavorful journey. Make Ahead Options These Spicy Harissa Chicken Thighs are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse, ensuring a delicious outcome. Simply whisk together the harissa paste, olive oil, garlic, and spices, coat the thighs, and refrigerate them in a sealed bag or bowl. If you want to prep the yogurt sauce as well, it can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days—just blend the ingredients and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, grill, bake, or sauté the marinated chicken directly from the refrigerator, and enjoy tender, flavorful harissa chicken with ease on busy weeknights! Harissa Chicken Variations & Substitutions Customize this flavorful harissa chicken to suit your taste buds and dietary needs! Chicken Breasts: Replace thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts, adjusting the cooking time as they cook faster. Vegetarian Delight: Use the same marinade for hearty tofu or your favorite veggies like eggplant or bell peppers for a delicious plant-based meal. Heat Level Adjustment: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with 1 tablespoon of harissa and add more gradually to tailor the heat to your liking. Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the marinade for an extra layer of brightness to your dish. Herb Variations: Substitute fresh cilantro and parsley with fresh mint or dill for a refreshing twist on the yogurt sauce. Smoky Flavor Boost: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked salt into the marinade to amplify the depth of flavor. Yogurt Alternatives: Swap Greek yogurt with a dairy-free option, such as coconut yogurt or cashew cream, making it friendly for lactose intolerant individuals. Pair this exciting harissa chicken with a side of couscous or give our BBQ Chicken Mac a try for a fun twist! Harissa Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right harissa paste? Absolutely! The flavor and heat of harissa paste can vary by brand. If you’re new to harissa, I recommend starting with a smaller amount—perhaps just one tablespoon—then taste and add more to your liking. Look for a paste that has a vibrant color and aromatic spices, and check the ingredients for any additives. How should I store leftover cooked harissa chicken? Great question! Store cooked harissa chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. To keep it tasting fresh, allow it to cool before sealing. Make sure to reheat only what you plan to eat, ensuring it heats through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Can I freeze marinated harissa chicken? Yes, indeed! To freeze your marinated harissa chicken, simply place it in a freezer-safe bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to blend even more beautifully as it defrosts. What should I do if the chicken is too spicy? Not a problem! If you find the harissa chicken too spicy after cooking, you can balance it by serving it with a cool yogurt sauce or adding a side of creamy coleslaw. If serving with the yogurt sauce, the creaminess will help tone down the heat significantly. For future attempts, reduce the harissa paste or mix it with other milder spices. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Very much so! Chicken breasts can be used in this recipe, but keep in mind they can dry out more easily than thighs. I’d recommend cooking them for a shorter time—about 20 minutes in the oven or 4-6 minutes per side on the grill—checking with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F for safety. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This harissa chicken is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate a batch and grill or bake it early in the week, storing it in portioned containers in the fridge. Enjoy it over salads, in wraps, or with sides like rice and roasted veggies throughout the week. It’s versatile, delicious, and makes your meal times a breeze! Delicious Harissa Chicken: Jam-Packed with Flavor and Spice This harissa chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish perfect for weeknights and gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: North AfricanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs The best option for juicy flavor; chicken breasts can also be used but are more prone to drying out.10 cloves Garlic minced2 tablespoons Harissa Paste adjust for heat preference1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil2 tablespoons Lemon Juice1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar1 tablespoon Ground Cumin1 tablespoon Ground Coriander2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika2 teaspoons Ground Cardamom1 teaspoon Salt1 teaspoon Onion Powder1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper1/4 teaspoon Ground CinnamonFor the Sauce (Optional)1 cup Greek Yogurt1/3 cup Fresh Cilantro packed1/3 cup Fresh Parsley packed2 cloves Additional Garlic for Sauce peeled2 tablespoons Lemon Juice for Sauce1/2 teaspoon Salt1/4 teaspoon Pepper Equipment GrillSkilletOvenBlenderLarge bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Harissa ChickenMarinate the Chicken by whisking together harissa paste, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all spices. Add chicken and refrigerate for 4-24 hours.Prepare the Yogurt Sauce by blending yogurt, cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth; refrigerate.Cook the Chicken on the Grill at medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 170°F.For Stovetop, heat a skillet, add oil, and cook chicken for 4-5 minutes each side until internal temperature reaches 170°F.For Oven method, preheat to 425°F and bake chicken for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature hits 175°F.Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving with yogurt sauce and fresh herbs. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesUse a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken is 175°F. Avoid poking holes in the chicken before marinating to retain moisture. Let your marinated chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
