Harissa honey chicken is a delightful dish that combines savory, spicy, and sweet flavors. This Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a unique twist inspired by CAVA’s famous harissa chicken. With just six basic ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy, making it a family favorite that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe can be ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of harissa and honey creates a mouthwatering blend of spicy and sweet flavors.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, salad, or pita bread for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and balanced with natural ingredients like honey and lemon juice.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the harissa sauce make this dish visually appealing for dinner parties.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your harissa honey chicken, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cooking the chicken, ensuring that it bakes evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after cooking.
- Large bowl: Ideal for mixing the marinade and coating the chicken thoroughly.
- Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature for perfect doneness.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
For the Marinade
- ½ cup harissa (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (please see note)
- 5 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup honey
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Set them aside to absorb the seasoning.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the harissa sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and honey until fully combined. This will create a flavorful marinade that enhances the taste of your chicken.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them well to ensure they are fully coated in the sauce. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven
Position an oven rack in the center of your oven. Preheat it to 400 degrees F (204 degrees Celsius). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Brush any leftover marinade over the top of each piece to maximize flavor during baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Cooked Through
Bake in your preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that each thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once cooked through, cover the baked chicken loosely with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Drizzle any remaining liquid from the baking sheet over the chicken before serving for added moisture and flavor. Enjoy your homemade harissa honey chicken!
How to Serve Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
Harissa honey chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Fresh Greens
- Arugula Salad: Toss arugula with olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan for a peppery contrast.
- Cucumber Mint Salad: Combine diced cucumbers, fresh mint, and a splash of vinegar for a refreshing bite.
Over Rice or Couscous
- Lemon Rice: Fluff cooked rice with lemon zest and herbs for a zesty side.
- Couscous Pilaf: Sauté couscous with onions, garlic, and bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
With Flatbreads
- Pita Bread: Serve warm pita bread alongside the chicken for dipping into the sauce.
- Naan: Soft naan can complement the dish well and soak up the delicious harissa sauce.
Topped with Yogurt Sauce
- Tzatziki: Drizzle homemade tzatziki over the chicken for a creamy, cool finish.
- Garlic Yogurt Sauce: A mixture of yogurt and minced garlic adds depth to each bite.
How to Perfect Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
To achieve the best results with your harissa honey chicken recipe, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Marinade Time: Allow the chicken to marinate longer than 30 minutes for deeper flavor infusion.
- Bold Cooking Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to cook the chicken evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.
- Bold Use of Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of 165 degrees F to guarantee safe and juicy chicken.
- Bold Sauce Application: Brush extra sauce on the chicken before baking for more intense flavor.
- Bold Letting it Rest: Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain moisture, making it more succulent.
Best Side Dishes for Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
Choosing complementary side dishes can elevate your harissa honey chicken meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted until tender adds color and nutrition.
- Quinoa Salad: This protein-packed salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley offers a refreshing crunch alongside your dish.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort that balances the spicy notes of the chicken.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus grill beautifully, adding an elegant touch to your plate without overpowering flavors.
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad: Pasta tossed with olives, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes brings Mediterranean flair to your meal.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that soaks up flavors from sauces while providing a light alternative to traditional grains.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to look out for:
- Skipping the marinating step: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in the harissa mixture will result in less flavor. Make sure to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for optimal taste.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer to check if it has reached 165 degrees F, ensuring a juicy meal.
- Using the wrong cut of chicken: Opting for chicken breasts instead of thighs may yield a drier dish. Thighs offer more flavor and moisture, making them ideal for this recipe.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality harissa or honey can affect the overall taste. Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your oven fully before placing your chicken inside for consistent results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
- Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Ensure you label with the date.
Reheating Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in short increments, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth while reheating, covering with a lid to keep moisture in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of protein for this Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with tofu or pork, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
What is harissa?
Harissa is a North African chili paste made from roasted red peppers, spices, and olive oil. It brings spice and depth to dishes like this Harissa Honey Chicken.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends on the harissa used. If you prefer milder flavors, opt for a less spicy variety or reduce the amount used.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
How can I customize my Harissa Honey Chicken?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or onions on the baking sheet when cooking. You can also adjust honey levels based on your sweetness preference.
Final Thoughts
This Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor that balances savory, spicy, and sweet notes perfectly. It’s versatile enough for any weeknight dinner and allows room for customization based on your tastes. Give it a try today!
Harissa Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Harissa Honey Chicken, a dish that perfectly marries savory, spicy, and sweet notes. Inspired by the famed harissa chicken from CAVA, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also requires just six simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for an effortless weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for special occasions, Harissa Honey Chicken is sure to impress. With its rich marinade and beautiful presentation, it’s a family favorite that everyone will savor. Pair it with your choice of sides like rice or salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ cup harissa
- ¼ cup honey
- 5 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper; set aside.
- Whisk together harissa, honey, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a large bowl to create the marinade.
- Coat the chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange marinated chicken on the baking sheet and brush with leftover marinade.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Allow longer marination time for deeper flavor. Serve with fresh salads or over rice/couscous for added texture. Substitute chicken with tofu or pork as desired.