When you think about chicken dishes that can transport you to distant lands with just a single bite, Harissa Chicken immediately comes to mind. This flavorful dish, infused with the spicy and aromatic North African harissa paste, packs a punch that tantalizes your taste buds and satisfies your cravings for something exotic yet comforting.
Why We Love This Harissa Chicken Recipe
One of the primary reasons this Harissa Chicken recipe stands out is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and character. The chicken is succulent and tender, while the harissa brings a unique smokiness that perfectly complements the spices used.
Moreover, this dish is highly versatile. You can enjoy it as part of a hearty meal or transform it into a delightful filling for wraps or salads. The use of date syrup not only balances the heat from the harissa but also adds a touch of sweetness that rounds off the dish beautifully. The freshness of the parsley provides a vibrant finish that will have you returning for seconds—or even thirds!
Ingredients about Harissa Chicken
To create your own mouthwatering Harissa Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 to 6 boneless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1 to 1.5 lbs)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp harissa, divided
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp date syrup
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Handful parsley, chopped
- Olive oil
Each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor profile, ensuring you derive the best out of your chicken. The great part? You can easily find all these ingredients in your local grocery store, making this recipe accessible for everyone.
How to Make Harissa Chicken Directions
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to embark on the cooking journey. Follow these straightforward steps to create your Harissa Chicken:
Preparation: Begin by cutting the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place the chicken in a large bowl, then add the sliced onions. Season this mixture with paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of harissa. Toss the ingredients together, ensuring that the chicken and onions are well coated with the spices. For optimal flavor, let this marinate for a few hours. However, if you’re short on time, you can move straight to cooking.
Cooking the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, drizzle in about 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the marinated chicken and onions to the skillet. Cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to ensure even cooking. As the chicken cooks, it will absorb the flavors of the spices and onions — that’s the magic of this dish!
Making the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, take a small bowl and combine the remaining tablespoon of harissa with 2 tablespoons of water and the date syrup. Stir well until fully mixed.
Combine and Simmer: After the chicken has cooked through, pour the harissa sauce into the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece of chicken is well covered in the sauce. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes over medium/low heat, so the flavors meld beautifully.
Finishing Touches: Just before serving, mix in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Your Harissa Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! This dish is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors and aromatic spices.
How to Serve Harissa Chicken
Serving your Harissa Chicken can be just as exciting as making it. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
Over Rice: A simple and classic option is to serve the chicken warm over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice will absorb the delightful flavors of the sauce, making every bite satisfying.
With Vegetables: Pair the chicken with sautéed or roasted vegetables for a healthy balance. Consider using zucchini, bell peppers, or even seasonal vegetables to add more color and nutrition.
In a Wrap: For a quick lunch option, you can combine the Harissa Chicken with your choice of greens and wrap it up in a flatbread or tortilla.
With Sumac Onions: For a tangy twist, serve your dish with sumac onions on the side. Simply slice an onion and sprinkle it with sumac and a little salt — a perfect complement to the spicy chicken!
Remember, the way you present your dish can enhance the dining experience. Use fresh herbs as a garnish for a touch of elegance.
Expert Tips: Harissa Chicken
To ensure that your Harissa Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
Marinate for Flavor: While it’s optional, allowing the chicken to marinate for a few hours or overnight will deepen the flavors. You can even prep this the night before for an easier cooking experience.
Choose the Right Harissa: Harissa can vary in heat and flavor. If you are sensitive to spice, opt for a mild harissa or start with less than the recipe calls for, and adjust it to your taste.
Use Boneless Thighs for Juiciness: Boneless chicken thighs are generally more forgiving than breasts, leading to a juicier and more flavorful result.
Cook in Batches if Needed: If you have a lot of chicken, consider cooking it in batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of searing.
Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs can elevate your dish. A sprinkle of parsley, cilantro, or even mint can take your Harissa Chicken to the next level.
How to Store Harissa Chicken
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be unlikely, given how tasty this dish is), proper storage is key to keeping it fresh. Here’s what you should know:
Refrigeration: Place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked Harissa Chicken. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. You can warm it up in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Variations of Harissa Chicken
This Harissa Chicken recipe is versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your taste. Here are some delicious variations to consider:
Vegetable Medley: Incorporate additional vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or tomatoes into the dish when cooking the chicken. Not only will this add nutrition, but it will also create a delicious one-pan meal.
Spicy Twist: If you like it hot, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh chopped chili to the marinade for an extra kick.
Sweet and Savory: Mix in some dried fruits like apricots or raisins while cooking to create a unique sweet and savory combination that complements the sauce.
One-Pan Dish: Instead of serving over rice, you could add cooked grains, such as couscous or quinoa, directly to the skillet for a one-pan meal.
Citrusy Zing: Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice just before serving to brighten the dish and enhance its flavors.
FAQ Section
What is Harissa Chicken?
Harissa Chicken is a flavorful dish made using chicken marinated with harissa spice paste along with other spices, onions, and herbs. It is typically cooked in a skillet for a quick and delicious meal.
How long can I store leftovers of Harissa Chicken?
You can store cooked Harissa Chicken in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Proper storage will keep it fresh for your next meal.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Harissa Chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. However, thighs tend to remain juicier during cooking, leading to a more flavorful dish.
How spicy is Harissa Chicken?
The spiciness of Harissa Chicken depends on the type of harissa you use and how much you incorporate into the dish. You can adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
What can I serve with Harissa Chicken?
Harissa Chicken pairs well with rice, couscous, or a medley of sautéed vegetables. You can also wrap it in flatbread for a delicious handheld meal.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian version of this flavorful dish.
Harissa Chicken
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 4-6 pieces boneless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1 to 1.5 lbs)
- 1 yellow onion (sliced)
- 2 Tbsp. harissa (divided)
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 1 Tbsp. date syrup
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- Handful parsley (chopped)
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and place in a large bowl with sliced onions.
- Season with paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of harissa; toss to coat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add the marinated chicken and onions to the skillet; cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining harissa with water and date syrup until combined.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the harissa sauce over it; toss to coat.
- Allow to simmer for another 5-7 minutes on medium/low heat.
- Before serving, mix in the chopped parsley for freshness.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!