There’s something magical about the perfect blend of spices and flavors that turns a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece. If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, bold, and incredibly delicious, look no further than my Harissa Garlic Chicken recipe.
This savory harissa-coated chicken is a tantalizing fusion of tender bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a harmonious medley of spices, brought to life by the harissa paste and the aromatic essence of garlic.
Crispy, Juicy, Divine
What Is Harissa Chicken?
The Harissa Garlic Chicken recipe is a vibrant delicious chicken spice blend of Middle Eastern and North African cuisine flavors, particularly from Tunisia and Morocco.
Harissa paste, a key ingredient, is a chili pepper paste that brings both heat and depth to the dish. The spices like garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, coriander, and cumin weave a tapestry of flavors that elevate the chicken to a whole new level of deliciousness.
With just the right balance of heat and seasoning, this exotic spice-infused chicken recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
Here are some aromatic chicken recipes you will love to try: Middle Eastern Spiced Baked Chicken, Authentic Tandoori Chicken Recipe, Middle Eastern Restaurant-Style Chicken, etc.
Why Make This Recipe
Believe me, once you try this harissa bone-in chicken thigh recipe, you will be addicted to making it, let’s see why!
To start, the combination of aromatic spices and harissa paste ensures that every bite of harissa roast chicken bursts with complex flavors that dance across your palate.
Despite its gourmet taste, this chicken harissa recipe is remarkably easy to make. Minimal prep work and a straightforward baking process make this garlic and spice-marinated chicken perfect for both weeknight family meals and special occasions.
Moreover, the beautifully marinated and perfectly oven-baked chicken thighs, boasting a crispy skin and juicy interior, make for a stunning centerpiece on your dining table.
Whether served as a main course alongside your favorite sides or sliced and added to salads and wraps, this fiery harissa chicken adapts effortlessly to various culinary contexts.
Best Mediterranean-Inspired Dinner
Best Ways to Serve Harissa Garlic Chicken
A posh serving of harissa garlic chicken is with a fluffy grain dish. Pair your harissa sheet pan chicken with Turkish Bulgur Pilaf, Easy Vegetable Rice Pilaf, Authentic Saudi Chicken Kabsa, Aromatic Spiced Yellow Rice, Bukhari Rice and Chicken (Ruz Bukhari), etc.
A vibrant salad will complement juicy baked chicken thighs perfectly. Try it with Arabic Chopped Salad (Salata Arabiyeh), Tabbouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh), or Fattoush. You will never regret it!
Garlic Sauce – Middle Eastern Toum is one of my optimum dips to serve with this bold and tangy chicken dish. Dig your harissa chicken roast in this creamy light fluffy sauce and enjoy!
Top Tips
To get crispy harissa garlic chicken, pat it dry after rinsing. Pat drying before baking helps to get rid of the moisture and that makes your skin chicken golden crispy.
For optimal flavor infusion, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight.
Add all the flavorful chicken marinade in the baking sheet as the gravy marinade will enrich the chicken flavor during cooking.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a beautiful golden-brown skin.
To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
To achieve the perfect crispy skin, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
For best results, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving it.
Impress Your Loved Ones!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can use bone-in chicken breasts. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary as the type of chicken is changed.
For sure! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor to Harissa chicken. Grill chicken over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Store harissa garlic chicken leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, pop garlic harissa chicken in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 365°F or heat over medium heat on the stove until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 5 minutes.
Baked to Perfection
Ingredients
Bone-in chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Turmeric
Salt
Black pepper
Chili powder
Coriander powder
Cumin
Harissa paste (mild or hot)
Garlic cloves
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Steps to Prep
First, add the clean thighs to a bowl.
Then, sprinkle the seasonings on top, and add the harissa paste and olive oil.
After that, add the lemon juice and finely chopped garlic, and mix together well.
Next, place on a baking sheet and bake uncovered at 425°F for 30 minutes, then cover for another 30 minutes.
Finally, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes until the skin gets crispy.
Savor the Flavor
Must-Try Recipes:
Turmeric Spiced Butternut Squash Soup With Zaatar Croutons
Viral Smashed Burger Tacos (Middle Eastern Style)
Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Sfeeha Yafawiyeh (Spiral Meat Pies)
Butter Chicken Paratha Quesadilla
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Harissa Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 3½-4 pounds bone-in chicken thighs about 6-8 thighs
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- ¼ teaspoons turmeric
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ⅓ cup harissa paste mild or hot
- 6 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Add the clean thighs to a bowl.
- Sprinkle the seasonings on top, and add the harissa paste and olive oil.
- Add the lemon juice and finely chopped garlic, and mix together well.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake uncovered at 425°F for 30 minutes, then cover for another 30 minutes.
- Broil chicken for 1-2 minutes until the skin gets crispy.
Notes
- To get crispy harissa garlic chicken, pat it dry after rinsing. Pat drying before baking helps to get rid of the moisture and that makes your skin chicken golden crispy.
- For optimal flavor infusion, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight.
- Add all the flavorful chicken marinade in the baking sheet as the gravy marinade will enrich the chicken flavor during cooking.
- For best results, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving it.
Love this recipe for a quick weeknight meal!