Harissa Chicken is a bold and spicy North African-inspired dish featuring juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a homemade harissa spice blend and baked to perfection. The rich, smoky, and slightly tangy flavors make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Just marinate, bake, and serve!
Customizable Heat – Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Packed with Flavor – A savory blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and harissa gives this dish a deep, complex taste.
Healthy & Versatile – Low-carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and paleo.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

2 pounds skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons harissa powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Harissa Marinade

In a small bowl, combine harissa powder, cumin, smoked paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to form a thick paste.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Rub the harissa paste evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
Alternatively, place the chicken and marinade in a large bowl or sealable bag and mix until fully covered.
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to enhance the flavors.

3. Bake the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Rest & Serve

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving

Variations

Extra Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the marinade.
Grilled Version – Instead of baking, grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
Mild Option – Use half the harissa powder and add a touch of Greek yogurt to the marinade.
Honey Harissa – Add 1 tablespoon honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
Crispier Skin – If using skin-on chicken, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

What to Serve with Harissa Chicken

Rice or Couscous – Serve over fluffy couscous or jasmine rice.
Grilled Vegetables – Pair with zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
Mediterranean Salad – Enjoy with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad.
Flatbread & Hummus – Serve with warm pita bread and hummus for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Oven – Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Stovetop – Sauté in a pan over medium heat until warm.
- Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

What is harissa?

Harissa is a North African spice blend made from chili peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, and olive oil. It comes in powder or paste form and adds a spicy, smoky depth of flavor.

Can I use harissa paste instead of powder?

Yes! Use 1½ tablespoons of harissa paste instead of 2 tablespoons of harissa powder.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work, but adjust the cooking time to 16–18 minutes.

How can I make this dish milder?

Reduce the harissa powder to 1 tablespoon or mix it with Greek yogurt to soften the heat.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.

What’s the best way to get extra crispy chicken?

Broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end for a slightly charred, crispy finish.

What can I serve with harissa chicken?

Pair with couscous, roasted vegetables, flatbread, or tzatziki sauce for a full meal.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! Harissa chicken is low-carb and keto-friendly.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes! Overnight marinating deepens the flavors.

How do I make homemade harissa powder?

Mix 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp chili powder, ½ tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp ground coriander, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp salt.

Conclusion

This Harissa Chicken is spicy, bold, and full of North African flavors! Whether you bake, grill, or pan-sear it, this dish is effortless yet packed with taste. Perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or a flavor-packed dinner, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Try it today and bring the warmth of harissa to your kitchen!

Harissa Chicken

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Author: Paula
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Harissa Chicken is a bold, spicy, and flavorful North African-inspired dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection. With smoky harissa, cumin, and paprika, this easy low-carb, keto-friendly meal is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or grilling.

Ingredients

2 lbs skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp harissa powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Make the Harissa Marinade

In a small bowl, mix harissa powder, cumin, smoked paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to form a thick paste.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Rub the harissa marinade evenly over the chicken thighs.
Place in a bowl or sealable bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

3. Bake the Chicken

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
Arrange marinated chicken thighs in a single layer.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Rest & Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Extra Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder.
Mild Option: Use half the harissa or mix with Greek yogurt.
Grilled Version: Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
Crispier Chicken: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Harissa Paste Substitute: Use 1½ tbsp harissa paste instead of powder.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking / Grilling
Cuisine: North African / Mediterranean