Description
This Harissa Honey Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of spicy harissa paste, sweet honey, tomato paste, and aromatic spices. Baked to perfection with a caramelized, slightly charred surface, this dish offers a delightful balance of heat, sweetness, and smokiness that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 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
Chicken
- 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the honey-harissa marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the harissa paste, tomato paste, honey, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add the Urfa Biber, coriander, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Season the chicken thighs well on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well to ensure each piece is fully coated. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight. If short on time, allow the chicken to sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
- Get ready: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) in preparation for baking.
- Bake: Transfer the marinated chicken and all marinade into a 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading the pieces evenly. Place the pan on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, the surface is caramelized, and there are some delightful charred bits.
- Finish and serve: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle some of the flavorful pan juices over the pieces. Serve hot as a main dish alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- If you cannot find Urfa Biber, Aleppo pepper or red chili flakes make appropriate substitutes.
- You can adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your preferred spice level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: harissa chicken, honey chicken, baked chicken thighs, Middle Eastern chicken, spicy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner
