Quick & Zesty Harissa Chicken Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Sizzling spices dance across tender chicken, weaving a harissa chicken recipe that promises an explosion of North African flavors.

Moroccan-inspired marinades infuse each morsel with bold, fiery character.

The vibrant blend of chili peppers, garlic, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to bustling market streets.

Smoky undertones and rich, deep heat define this incredibly satisfying dish.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of warmth and complexity that will awaken your taste buds.

This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary adventure that beckons you to dive into its delicious depths.

Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this irresistible meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 4-24 hours (marinating) + 20-30 minutes

Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (grilling/stovetop) or 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes – 25 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Harissa Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, boneless meat perfect for absorbing rich marinade flavors and delivering juicy results.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that adds depth and complexity to the marinade's overall taste profile.

• Harissa Paste: Fiery North African chili blend that brings intense, smoky heat to the chicken.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth carrier liquid that helps distribute spices and tenderize the meat.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic component that helps break down protein and adds tangy freshness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds subtle sweetness and complex depth to the marinade.
• Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Smoked Paprika, Ground Cardamom: Warm, exotic spice blend creating a complex, Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance and balance overall taste.
• Onion Powder: Provides savory undertone and additional aromatic complexity.
• Ground Cinnamon: Subtle warmth and gentle sweetness to round out spice mixture.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy, tangy base that provides cooling contrast to spicy chicken.
• Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs adding vibrant color and bright, zesty notes.
• Garlic: Additional aromatic punch to complement herb freshness.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens and lightens the sauce's rich texture.
• Ground Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Balanced seasoning to enhance sauce's flavor profile.

Equipment for Harissa Chicken Cooking

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade and coating chicken.
• Freezer-size plastic bag: Alternative option for marinating chicken.
• Blender: Smooth and quick way to blend yogurt sauce ingredients.
• Instant-read thermometer: Essential for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Cutting board: Great for resting and slicing cooked chicken.
• Whisk: Helps combine marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides delicious grilled chicken marks.
• Cast iron skillet: Ideal for stovetop cooking with even heat distribution.
• Baking sheet: Useful for oven-baked chicken method.
• Foil: Helps with easy cleanup when baking.
• Cooking spray: Prevents chicken from sticking to baking sheet.

Steps to Make Harissa Chicken Easily

• Flavor Infusion

Create a zesty marinade that will transform your chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Combine aromatic spices and tangy liquids in a large container, ensuring every inch of the chicken gets coated with deliciousness.

• Chill and Relax

Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more intense the taste will become – anywhere from a few hours to a full day works magic.

• Creamy Companion Sauce

Whip up a silky smooth yogurt sauce that will complement the spicy chicken perfectly. Blend fresh herbs and creamy yogurt until you achieve a vibrant, velvety consistency that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Cooking Adventure

Choose your culinary path: sizzle the chicken on a grill, create a golden crust in a hot skillet, or bake it to juicy perfection in the oven. Aim for a golden exterior and a tender interior that reaches a safe internal temperature.

• Resting and Serving

Allow the chicken to rest briefly after cooking, letting the juices redistribute. Slice it up and plate with the cooling yogurt sauce alongside. Pair with fluffy grains or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’ll impress anyone at the table.

Heat Level Tips for Harissa Chicken

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Spice Intensity Adjustment: Control the heat level by reducing or increasing harissa paste quantity. Mild palates can start with less, while spice lovers can add extra for a fiery kick.
• Protein Swap: Easily substitute chicken with boneless turkey, firm tofu, or lamb for diverse meal options. Adjust cooking times based on protein thickness and type.
• Herb Flexibility: No fresh cilantro? Use parsley, mint, or dill in the yogurt sauce for different flavor profiles. Dried herbs work in a pinch but use half the recommended fresh quantity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare marinade and yogurt sauce up to two days in advance. Store separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator to streamline meal preparation.
• Pan-Friendly Alternative: Transform this recipe into kebabs by cutting chicken into chunks, threading onto skewers, and grilling or broiling for a fun presentation that cooks quickly and evenly.

How to Plate Harissa Chicken

• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Create a vibrant spread with warm pita bread, hummus, olives, sliced cucumbers, and tomatoes surrounding the harissa chicken. Drizzle extra yogurt sauce over the top for a stunning presentation that feels like a culinary journey.
• Couscous Companion: Prepare fluffy couscous mixed with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, then nestle the sliced harissa chicken on top. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the spicy marinade.
• Wrap and Roll: Transform the chicken into delicious wraps by tucking slices into warm tortillas or flatbreads. Add crisp lettuce, pickled onions, and a generous dollop of cilantro yogurt sauce for a handheld meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
• Fresh Salad Base: Layer mixed greens with the sliced harissa chicken, then top with crumbled feta cheese, cucumber ribbons, and a light lemon vinaigrette. This option creates a lighter, protein-packed meal that's perfect for warm days.

Saving and Planning Meals with Harissa Chicken

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container at the back of the refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness for up to 3 days. Keep raw and cooked chicken separated to prevent cross-contamination.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Frozen marinated chicken stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Sauce Storage Wisdom: Transfer leftover yogurt sauce to a sealed glass jar. Refrigerate for maximum 4-5 days. Stir well before serving, as natural separation might occur. Check for any unusual smell or color changes before use.
• Leftover Chicken Remix: Slice remaining cooked chicken and store in an airtight container. Enjoys 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Zesty Harissa Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes – 25 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Moroccan harissa chicken brings smoky spice and complex flavors to a simple weeknight dinner. Bold North African seasonings elevate grilled or roasted chicken with zingy, warming notes you can easily master at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–3 lbs (0.9–1.4 kg) chicken thighs, boneless skinless, pounded to even thickness
• 10 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps harissa paste
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsps smoked paprika
• 2 tsps ground cardamom
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (240 ml) Greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup (20 g) packed cilantro
• ⅓ cup (20 g) packed parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk harissa paste, aromatic spices, and citrus elements in a large mixing bowl or sealable bag, creating a vibrant flavor base.
2. Marinating Process: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for 4-24 hours to allow deep flavor infusion.
3. Sauce Creation: Blend fresh cilantro, yogurt, and seasonings until herbs are finely chopped, adjusting consistency as needed, and chill until serving.
4. Temperature Adjustment: Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature for even heat distribution.
5. Cooking Method Selection: Choose between grilling (400-450°F), stovetop searing, or oven roasting (425°F), preparing cooking surface with light oil to prevent sticking.
6. Cooking Technique: Grill covered for 5-7 minutes per side, pan-sear in batches for 4-5 minutes each side, or oven-roast for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 175°F.
7. Resting and Serving: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice and plate with chilled cilantro yogurt sauce, accompanied by rice, couscous, or a fresh salad.

Notes

• Marinade Mastery: Whisk spices, harissa, and citrus together in a large bag or container for maximum flavor infusion.
• Marination Magic: Refrigerate chicken for 4-24 hours to allow deep flavor penetration, ensuring tender and tasty meat.
• Temperature Triumph: Let chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to guarantee even heat distribution.
• Cooking Confidence: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 175°F internally, preventing undercooking while maintaining juiciness.

• Prep Time: 4-24 hours (marinating) + 20-30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (grilling/stovetop) or 20-25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: North African

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg