Harissa Chicken (Spicy North African Chicken) Recipe
This Harissa Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a spicy North African harissa paste, then baked to perfection. The combination of harissa powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper delivers a flavorful and mildly spicy dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North African
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
Harissa Marinade
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons harissa powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Harissa Paste: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, harissa powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until a thick, even paste forms.
- Marinate the Chicken: Rub the harissa paste all over the boneless chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Alternatively, place the chicken and paste in a large bowl or sealable bag and roll or shake it to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour to develop flavors.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully preheat. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until an internal meat thermometer registers at least 165°F (74°C) indicating they are fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in juicy, tender chicken ready to serve.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer than 1 hour, even overnight, will intensify the flavors.
- Use boneless thighs for juicier, more flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.
- If you don’t have harissa powder, you can substitute with a mix of chili powder and smoked paprika with a touch of garlic powder.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking and avoid overcooking.
- Serve with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: Harissa Chicken, Spicy Chicken Thighs, North African Chicken, Baked Harissa Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe
