"Harissa Chicken: A Spicy Delight for Dinner"
If you’re after a dish that’s packed with flavor and a bit of a kick, why not try harissa chicken? This North African-inspired dish is juicy, tender, and covered in a spicy sauce that’s sure to get your taste buds tingling. It’s a great way to mix up your weekly dinner menu and it’s very easy to make!
Harissa chicken is a versatile meal made with either chicken breasts or thighs. You’ll jazz up the chicken with a variety of spices like salt, pepper, coriander, paprika, and cumin, with a dash of cayenne for a spicy touch. The real highlight of the dish is the harissa paste – a North African specialty made from roasted red peppers, hot chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and a handful of tasty spices. You can find it in stores, or you can whip it up at home.
This chicken dish is a real crowd-pleaser, with its origins in North Africa, specifically Tunisia and Morocco. It’s the combination of the zesty paste and the chicken, grilled to perfection, that makes this dish so special. Serve it with couscous or stuff it into a pita, and you’ve got a meal bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
You’ll need the following to make harissa chicken:
- Chicken Breasts (Boneless and Skinless): You’ll want juicy chicken breasts with no bones or skin. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Coriander, Paprika, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper: These spices add depth and heat to your chicken.
- Red Onion (Minced) and Garlic (Minced): These add sweetness and a savory flavor.
- Harissa Paste: The key ingredient for this dish, full of fiery flavor!
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty, tangy balance to the dish.
- Olive Oil: Helps to evenly coat the chicken in the sauce.
How to Make It:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Pat your chicken dry and place it in a large bowl.
- Mix your spices together and rub over all your chicken breasts.
- In another bowl, combine garlic, onion, harissa paste, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pour this mixture over your seasoned chicken and make sure each piece is well coated.
- Let the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
You can also bake your chicken if you prefer. Just preheat your oven to 450 degrees, prepare a baking sheet with foil, place your prepared chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 16-20 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
Tips for Perfect Harissa Chicken:
- You can adjust the heat to your liking by using more or less harissa paste and cayenne pepper.
- For more flavor, let your chicken marinate for a few hours or even overnight.
- Feel free to experiment with different cuts of chicken.
- Pair harissa chicken with a variety of sides like rice, quinoa, or a couscous salad.
Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftover harissa chicken, it can be stored in a sealed container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, put your chicken in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or heat over medium heat on the stove until warmed through.