Harissa Chicken is a vibrant, spicy dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. With a perfect blend of harissa paste, olive oil, and aromatic spices, this chicken recipe offers a mouthwatering taste inspired by North African cuisine. You’ll enjoy the charred, slightly smoky edges of the chicken paired with a cool, creamy yogurt drizzle and fresh dill. It’s not just delicious—it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. This recipe shows you how simple it can be to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Why We Love This Harissa Chicken Recipe
This Harissa Chicken stands out for its simplicity, speed, and bold flavors. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, allowing the spices to deeply infuse each piece, which makes every bite deliciously tender and flavorful. The combination of spicy harissa and cooling yogurt creates a delightful balance, while the fresh dill adds a bright, herbal note. This recipe also works beautifully for meal prep, as leftovers can be enjoyed cold in salads or reheated for a quick dinner. Beyond flavor, it’s versatile—you can serve it over rice, with roasted vegetables, or alongside fresh bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Harissa Chicken
To make this dish, you’ll need a handful of fresh and pantry staples, all of which combine to create a rich, layered flavor profile. You don’t need anything fancy, just high-quality ingredients and a little time for marination.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup harissa paste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt (whole-milk preferred)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
How to Make Harissa Chicken
Start by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the harissa paste, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes. If you want deeper flavors, you can refrigerate it overnight.
While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 425ºF. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure each piece has space around it for even cooking.
Bake the chicken for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure both sides develop a slight char and cook evenly. Continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. The edges should be slightly browned, adding a subtle smokiness to the dish.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate or platter. Drizzle the yogurt over the top, allowing it to cool and complement the spice. Finally, sprinkle the fresh dill generously, giving the dish a bright, fresh finish.
How to Serve Harissa Chicken
Serving Harissa Chicken is simple but can be elevated with a few thoughtful touches. You can place it over a bed of fluffy rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables to soak up the rich flavors. For a lighter option, serve it with a crisp green salad and warm flatbread. The yogurt drizzle not only cools the spice but also enhances the visual appeal, creating a contrast with the deep red harissa-coated chicken.
For gatherings or dinner parties, consider plating the chicken family-style on a large platter. This presentation makes the dish look abundant and inviting, encouraging everyone to dig in. Pair it with simple sides like roasted carrots, sautéed greens, or a lemony chickpea salad to round out the meal.
Expert Tips for Perfect Harissa Chicken
- Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: The longer you marinate, the more the chicken absorbs the spices. Overnight marination in the fridge is ideal.
- Use Bone-In for Juicier Meat: While boneless thighs cook quickly, bone-in chicken can add extra flavor and moisture. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust Spice Level: Harissa paste varies in heat. Start with 1/3 cup and adjust based on your tolerance for spice.
- Even Cooking Matters: Space out chicken pieces on the baking sheet to prevent steaming instead of roasting.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Dill adds brightness. If unavailable, parsley or cilantro can be used as a substitute.
- Don’t Skip the Yogurt: It balances the spice and adds a creamy texture that enhances the dish overall.
How to Store Harissa Chicken
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For best results, drizzle the yogurt and sprinkle dill only when you are ready to serve, as this prevents the herbs from wilting and the yogurt from becoming watery.
If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap each piece individually or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.
Variations of Harissa Chicken
Harissa Chicken is a versatile dish that you can tweak to suit your taste. You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of baking. Incorporating vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes on the sheet pan will make it a complete one-pan meal.
For a creamy twist, mix the yogurt with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of garlic for a tangy drizzle. You can also experiment with different herbs such as mint, cilantro, or parsley. If you like extra spice, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the marinade. These small adjustments can create unique versions of this classic dish without changing the core flavors.
Harissa Chicken FAQ
What is the best cut of chicken for Harissa Chicken?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their juiciness, but chicken breasts or bone-in pieces can also work. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make Harissa Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor. You can bake it fresh when ready to serve.
How spicy is Harissa Chicken?
The heat depends on the harissa paste. Start with a smaller amount if you prefer mild spice and adjust according to your taste.
Can I serve Harissa Chicken cold?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works well in salads or wraps and keeps the flavors intact.
What can I serve with Harissa Chicken?
Serve with rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Flatbreads are also a great accompaniment.
Harissa Chicken
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup harissa paste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt whole-milk preferred
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine harissa paste, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add the chicken to the bowl, coating it thoroughly with the marinade. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring space between pieces.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each piece and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and drizzle yogurt over the top. Sprinkle with fresh dill before serving.
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