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Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 29 reviews

This Harissa Honey Chicken recipe features tender, boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of harissa paste, honey, and aromatic spices, then baked to perfection. The marinade combines smoky paprika, earthy cumin, zesty lemon, and a touch of sweetness from honey, creating a perfectly balanced dish. Ideal for a quick yet impressive dinner, this recipe offers bold North African-inspired flavors with minimal effort.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: North African

Ingredients

Harissa Honey Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (about 1/2 lemon zested)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Chicken

  • 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, harissa paste, honey, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients form a smooth marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cut chicken thighs into the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
  3. Preheat the Oven: About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet to promote even cooking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 16 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, indicating it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For extra crispy edges, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of baking while keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier after baking.
  • Marinating overnight will deepen the flavors even more.
  • If harissa paste is unavailable, mix chili powder with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper as a substitute, adjusting spice levels to taste.
  • Ensure the chicken is cut uniformly to cook evenly.

Find it online: https://cookingwithsarah.com/harissa-honey-chicken-recipe/