Go Back

Ultimate Harissa Chicken

A brilliantly easy, smoky, and spicy weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep for maximum flavour.
Prep Time 16 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 51 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: African, Mediterranean
Calories: 499

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • ½ cup harissa sauce or paste ½ cup harissa sauce or paste
  • 4 cloves garlic minced 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons honey up to 3 tablespoons for added sweetness 1 ½ tablespoons honey up to 3 tablespoons for added sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh is best 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh is best
  • 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the harissa paste, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly in the harissa marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best flavor.
  4. Preheat your oven to 425F (220C). Grease a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray.
  5. Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the baking dish. Spoon any extra marinade over the top.
  6. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. For a slightly charred finish, broil for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For the most intense flavour, massage the marinade under the skin of the poultry to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.