Name: Harissa Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: North African
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons harissa powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt, to taste; 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs

Description

This vibrant Harissa Chicken recipe features tender, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a spicy, smoky harissa paste made with harissa powder, cumin, smoked paprika, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. After marinating to deepen the bold flavors, the chicken is baked to juicy perfection and served as a flavorful main dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or flatbread. This dish offers an easy yet impressive meal with North African-inspired spices.

Ingredients

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For the Harissa Marinade

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

For the Chicken

2 pounds skinless chicken thighs

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Instructions

Prepare the Harissa Marinade: In a bowl, combine harissa powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well until a thick, smooth paste forms, ensuring all the spices are fully incorporated into the marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Rub the harissa paste evenly all over the skinless chicken thighs to coat them thoroughly. Alternatively, place the chicken and marinade in a large bowl or sealable plastic bag, mixing well to cover each piece. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
Rest & Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the flavorful harissa chicken with sides such as rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or flatbread for a complete meal.

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight will result in deeper, more intense flavors.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Adjust harissa powder quantity to control the spiciness according to your taste preference.
For a crispier exterior, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.