The Best Harissa Chicken Recipe for Spicy Dinner Thrills

Harissa chicken ignites a culinary adventure that crafts ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Vibrant spices dance across tender meat, creating a symphony of bold flavors that tantalize your senses.

North African influences shine through this zesty dish, promising a journey beyond traditional weeknight dinners.

Fiery red peppers blend seamlessly with aromatic herbs, delivering a punch of excitement to your plate.

Each bite tells a story of complex, layered seasonings that awaken your palate with incredible depth.

Surprisingly simple yet remarkably sophisticated, this recipe bridges home cooking and gourmet preparation with effortless grace.

Warm, inviting, and packed with personality, harissa chicken will become your new go-to meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Harissa Chicken Flavor Features

• Burst with Spicy-Tangy Flavor: Harissa marinade delivers a powerful punch of North African-inspired heat and zesty notes that wake up your taste buds and transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Versatile Cooking Flexibility: Enjoy multiple cooking methods including grill, stovetop, and oven, making this recipe perfect for any kitchen setup or cooking skill level without compromising delicious results.
• Quick and Foolproof Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple marinating process mean you can prep this dish ahead of time, allowing flavors to develop while giving you stress-free cooking experience with guaranteed delectable outcomes.
• Healthy and Balanced Meal: Lean protein from chicken combined with probiotic-rich yogurt sauce creates a nutritious dinner that's both satisfying and light, providing a balanced meal packed with exciting Mediterranean-style culinary excitement.

Ingredients Checklist for Harissa Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless meat that creates a tender and flavorful main dish, best when pounded to even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Harissa Paste, Cumin, Coriander, Smoked Paprika, Cardamom: Robust spice blend that adds deep, complex Middle Eastern flavor profiles with warm and smoky characteristics.
• Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Cinnamon: Essential seasoning ingredients that enhance overall taste and provide balanced seasoning.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Balsamic Vinegar: Liquid ingredients that tenderize meat, add brightness, and help spices penetrate chicken.
• Garlic: Fresh and pungent ingredient that provides aromatic depth and intense flavor to the marinade.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides cool and tangy contrast to spicy chicken.
• Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add bright, green flavor and visual appeal to the sauce.
• Garlic, Lemon Juice, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Complementary seasonings that balance and enhance the yogurt sauce's overall taste.

Straightforward Instructions for Harissa Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Harissa Marinade

• Harissa paste
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients in a large bowl or sealed plastic bag. Add chicken, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 4-24 hours. Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Herb Yogurt Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro
• Mint leaves
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Salt

Pulse in blender until herbs are finely chopped. For thicker consistency, fold in extra yogurt. Refrigerate until serving time.

Step 3: Choose Cooking Method

• Grill Method

Preheat grill to 400-450°F. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.

• Stovetop Method

Heat vegetable oil in cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in single layer 4-5 minutes per side. Cover and reduce heat. Continue cooking until internal temperature hits 165°F. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.

• Oven Method

Line baking sheet with foil. Spray with cooking spray. Arrange chicken in single layer. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Fluffy rice
• Couscous
• Fresh garden salad

Kitchen Tips for Fiery Chicken Success

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken soak in the harissa mixture for the full 24 hours to develop deep, intense spice profile and tenderize the meat completely.
• Perfect Chicken Doneness: Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 170°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• Herb Sauce Consistency Hack: Blend yogurt sauce ingredients briefly, then hand-stir extra yogurt for a smoother, more controlled texture that won't become too thin.
• Even Cooking Technique: Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking and arrange pieces in a single layer to promote uniform heat distribution and crispy exterior.
• Resting Ritual: Allow cooked chicken to rest 5 minutes after removing from heat, which helps redistribute juices and keeps meat incredibly tender and succulent.

How to Keep Harissa Chicken Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover harissa chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, checking moisture and temperature until heated through. Discard if chicken appears rubbery or loses its juicy texture.

Dishes That Complement Harissa Chicken

• Pair with Cooling Cucumber Salad: Craft a refreshing cucumber salad with mint, dill, and a light vinaigrette to balance the spicy harissa chicken, providing a crisp and cooling counterpoint.
• Select Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity that cuts through the rich, spicy marinade and complements the herbal yogurt sauce.
• Match with Moroccan-Style Couscous: Prepare a light couscous studded with toasted almonds, golden raisins, and fresh parsley to echo the North African harissa flavors and create a harmonious plate.
• Serve with Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: Offer a glass of sparkling water with fresh lemon or orange slices to cleanse the palate and enhance the zesty notes of the harissa chicken.

Variations to Spice Up Harissa Chicken

• Moroccan Lamb Remix: Swap chicken for tender lamb chunks, keeping the harissa marinade for an authentic North African flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, maintaining the spicy harissa marinade's bold character.
• Seafood Mediterranean Escape: Use large shrimp or white fish fillets instead of chicken, adjusting cooking times to prevent overcooking while preserving the zesty harissa essence.
• Sheet Pan Simple Feast: Transform the recipe into a one-pan meal by adding diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and red onions alongside the protein, roasting everything together in the oven for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Harissa Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Moroccan harissa chicken delivers a spicy Mediterranean symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Tender chicken marinated in fiery harissa paste creates a bold culinary experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2–3 pounds (0.9–1.4 kilograms) boneless skinless chicken thighs, pounded to an even thickness

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Wet Ingredients and Aromatics:

• 10 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Cilantro Yogurt Sauce (Optional):

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup (20 grams) packed cilantro
• ⅓ cup (20 grams) packed parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together aromatic spices, zesty harissa paste, and tangy citrus elements in a spacious mixing vessel or sealable storage bag.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the flavorful mixture.
3. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the intense flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, with a maximum marination time of 24 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before cooking, permitting it to reach ambient temperature for more even cooking.
5. Prepare the creamy cilantro yogurt sauce by combining fresh herbs, yogurt, and complementary seasonings in a blender, processing until the herbs are finely chopped and ingredients are well incorporated.
6. Adjust the sauce’s consistency by gently stirring in additional yogurt if a thicker texture is desired.
7. Refrigerate the yogurt sauce until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
8. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat (400-450°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
9. Arrange marinated chicken on the grill, cooking covered for 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
10. For stovetop preparation, heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
11. Cook chicken in batches, ensuring each piece is placed in a single layer without overcrowding.
12. Sear for 4-5 minutes, then flip, reduce heat, and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until fully cooked.
13. Alternatively, for oven roasting, preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
14. Spread chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
15. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
16. Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from heat, which helps retain its juices.
17. Slice the chicken and serve alongside the chilled cilantro yogurt sauce.
18. Complement the dish with fluffy rice, tender couscous, or a crisp, refreshing salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Unlock the secret to perfectly spiced, tender chicken with this harissa-infused marinade that transforms ordinary poultry into a flavor explosion.
• Marinating overnight allows the bold spices to penetrate deeply, creating a mouthwatering dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile cooking methods mean you can grill, sauté, or bake this chicken, making it perfect for any kitchen setup or cooking skill level.

• Prep Time: 20 hours (plus marinating)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: North African

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg