This harissa honey chicken recipe is all about bold flavors...but it also has a hint of sweetness to it too that makes you come back for more after each and every bite. With the smokiness of harissa and the kick of chili flakes, these chicken thighs are packed with flavor and come together in almost no time at all. In fact, less than 5 steps are all you have to follow to make this recipe.
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My Take on Harissa Honey Chicken Thighs
I first tried harissa honey chicken at a friend’s gathering, and I was hooked by the blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors it had. So, needless to say, I had to get the recipe from her before I left. And I'm glad I did because I've been absolutely obsessed with it lately.
When I made this recipe at home, the aromas alone were enough to make my family excited! Then, when they ate it, they couldn't stop raving about it. Needless to say there were no leftovers - the kids devoured it.
Ingredients for Harissa Honey Chicken Thighs
Here's what you'll need to make this harissa chicken.
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoon harissa paste
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Harissa Honey Chicken Thighs
As I mentioned just a minute ago, less than a handful of steps are all you have to follow to make these harissa chicken thighs.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together harissa, tomato paste, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, chili flakes, coriander, smoked paprika, and garlic until smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the marinade.
Toss to coat and let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight if possible. If in a rush, let it sit while preheating your oven.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
Step 4: Cook Until Caramelized
Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, until it’s caramelized and slightly charred on the edges. Drizzle with pan juices for extra flavor.
My Expert Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to let the flavors fully develop.
- Char for Extra Flavor: If you like a bit more char, broil the chicken for a couple of minutes at the end of cooking.
- Adjust The Spice Level To Your Tastes: Harissa and chili flakes bring heat; adjust them to your preference if you like it milder/hotter.
- Serve with Extra Sauce: Drizzle the pan juices over rice or veggies for added flavor.
FAQ's About This Harissa Honey Chicken Thighs Recipe
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.
What is harissa paste?
Harissa paste is a North African chili paste that's typically made with cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, chili peppers, garlic, oil, and salt. It's the key to this dish’s depth of flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I grill this instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grill the marinated chicken on medium heat until charred and cooked through.
What to serve with harissa honey chicken?
This dish goes well with couscous, rice, roasted veggies, or a side salad.
Final Thoughts
This harissa honey chicken thighs recipe is jam-packed with flavor, and it's as easy as could be to make. I promise you if you make it once, you'll be making it again, and again, and again. That's what happened in our house.
Anyway, if you give this recipe a shot, let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below.
More Baked Chicken Recipes To Try Next
- Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs
- Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Baked Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts
- Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlet
The Harrisa Honey Chicken Recipe I Make Every Week
This harissa honey chicken recipe is all about bold flavors...but it also has a hint of sweetness to it too that makes you come back for more after each and every bite. With the smokiness of harissa and the kick of chili flakes, these chicken thighs are packed with flavor and come together in almost no time at all. In fact, less than 5 steps are all you have to follow to make this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoon harissa paste
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the harissa, tomato paste, honey, lemon juice, and enough olive oil to generously coat the chicken. Add the chili flakes, coriander, smoked paprika, and garlic.
2. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well incorporated.
3. Generously season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper, then add it to the marinade.
4. Toss the chicken to ensure it is fully coated. If time allows, cover the bowl and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight for better flavor. If not, let it sit at room temperature while preheating your oven.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Transfer the marinated chicken to a lined baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Place the chicken on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake until fully cooked and caramelized with some charred bits on the surface, about 35 to 40 minutes.
7. Drizzle the chicken with the pan juices and serve warm!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 441Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 492mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 19gProtein: 42g
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