Introduction
Get ready to explore new tastes with this Harissa Honey Chicken recipe. This dish brings together the heat of harissa and the sweetness of honey creating a well-balanced flavor. You can cook this to impress your family at dinner or wow your friends at a casual hangout.
Ingredients
You’ll need these items to make this dish:
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Harissa Honey Sauce
- 1/4 cup harissa paste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped (if you want)
- Lemon wedges (to serve)
Preparation
Step 1: Get the Chicken Ready
First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the oven warms up, prepare the chicken. Use paper towels to dry the chicken breasts. Add salt and pepper to both sides.
In an ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Put the chicken breasts in and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown. Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Harissa Honey Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix harissa paste, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. This sauce has a spicy and sweet taste, which gives your chicken an amazing flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Add the harissa honey sauce to the skillet you used to cook the chicken. Mix it well to blend with any brown bits from the chicken. Put the chicken breasts back in the skillet and coat them with the sauce.
Place the skillet in the hot oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken’s inside temp reaches 165°F (74°C) and it’s cooked. Halfway through, spoon the sauce over the chicken to keep it juicy and tasty.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
After cooking the chicken, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for a bit before you cut it. If you want, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top. Serve with lemon slices on the side to add extra flavor.
Tips to Make Perfect Harissa Honey Chicken
Change the Spice Level
The heat of harissa can differ based on its brand and type. If you like it milder, start with less harissa paste and add more to suit your taste. You can always put in more if you want it hotter.
Pick Bone-In Chicken
To amp up the taste, swap boneless breasts for bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks. Remember to tweak the cooking time; pieces with bones need more time in the oven.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can cook this meal in advance. After cooking, cool the chicken then pack it in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before you eat, warm it up in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes
Match this Harissa Honey Chicken with different side dishes. You can serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. To add a Mediterranean flavor, try a side of couscous or quinoa.
Accompaniments
To balance the chicken’s flavors, serve it with a cool yogurt sauce or a zesty tabbouleh salad. A basic cucumber and tomato salad also goes well offering a crisp contrast to the spicy-sweet chicken.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content in each serving of Harissa Honey Chicken:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and could change depending on the exact ingredients and serving sizes you use.
To wrap up
This Harissa Honey Chicken recipe gives you a tasty mix of spicy and sweet flavors in an easy homemade meal. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can make a dish that’s both filling and eye-catching. Have fun cooking and enjoying every mouthful!