Name: Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490432H30M10S
Total time: PT-490432H30M10S
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 to 4 tablespoons harissa paste; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/4 cup honey; 1 lemon, juiced; Extra virgin olive oil (about 1/3 cup); 1 teaspoon Urfa Biber (or substitute Aleppo pepper or red chili flakes); 1 teaspoon coriander; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds); Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Introduction

Harissa Honey Chicken is a delightful blend of spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors that elevate simple chicken thighs into a vibrant, satisfying meal. This recipe uses a flavorful marinade combining harissa paste, honey, and fragrant spices, resulting in tender, caramelized chicken with a deliciously rich sauce.

A white oval plate filled with eight pieces of cooked chicken thighs, each coated in a thick, dark reddish-brown sauce with visible spices and a slightly charred texture. The chicken pieces are arranged closely together, some stacked slightly over others, showing their juicy and tender texture. A silver fork rests on the left side of the plate, partially under some pieces. In the background, there is a yellow lemon half and a glass container with red sauce on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 to 4 tablespoons harissa paste

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/4 cup honey

1 lemon, juiced

Extra virgin olive oil (about 1/3 cup)

1 teaspoon Urfa Biber (Aleppo pepper, or red chili flakes)

1 teaspoon coriander

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

5 garlic cloves, minced

8 to 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)

Kosher salt

Black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Make the honey-harissa marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine harissa paste, tomato paste, honey, lemon juice, and enough olive oil to generously coat the chicken (about 1/3 cup). Add Urfa Biber, coriander, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until well incorporated.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken. Season the chicken thighs thoroughly with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides. Add them to the bowl with the marinade and mix well to ensure each piece is fully coated. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight. If short on time, let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 4: Bake the chicken. Transfer the marinated chicken and any remaining marinade to a 9×13-inch baking pan. Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the surface is caramelized with some charred spots.

Step 5: Finish and serve. Once cooked, drizzle some of the pan juices over the chicken for extra moisture and flavor before serving.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of harissa paste to control the spice level according to your preference.

If Urfa Biber is unavailable, substitute with Aleppo pepper or red chili flakes for similar smoky heat.

For extra depth, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Serve with a side of couscous, rice, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in thighs can be used, but increase baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.

Is harissa paste very spicy?

Harissa varies in heat depending on the brand and type used. It typically has a moderate spicy kick, but you can adjust the amount used in this recipe to suit your heat tolerance.