Spicy Harissa Chicken

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with our sensational Harissa Chicken recipe – a dish that masterfully blends vibrant flavors, tantalizing spices, and tender, juicy chicken into every single bite. This isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s an experience that brings the exotic allure of North African cuisine straight to your table, surprisingly simple to prepare despite its impressive presentation and complex taste profile. Imagine a **succulent whole roast chicken**, generously coated in a fiery yet balanced **harissa paste**, drizzled with **sweet honey**, surrounded by perfectly **roasted peppers and onions**, and brightened with a burst of **tangy lemon**. This combination creates a symphony of flavors that will awaken your palate and leave a lasting impression.

  • **Explosion of Complex Flavors:** Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building an incredible depth of flavor. The heat from the harissa, the sweetness from the honey and roasted vegetables, and the zesty tang of lemon create a perfectly balanced and unforgettable taste.
  • **Irresistibly Sweet and Spicy Skin:** The chicken skin crisps up beautifully, forming a delicious crust that boasts both a sweet and spicy kick. This outer layer perfectly complements the tender, moist chicken underneath, making every mouthful a delight.
  • **Visually Stunning Presentation:** Thanks to the rich, vibrant red hue of the harissa paste, this dish is as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. It’s a showstopper that looks far more intricate than it actually is, perfect for impressing guests or simply elevating a family dinner.
  • **Incredibly Versatile for Any Meal:** Whether you prefer it as a hearty main course with a side of fluffy couscous or rice, or deconstructed into flavorful tacos with cool sour cream and shredded cheese, this harissa chicken adapts effortlessly to your serving style.
  • **Quick and Efficient Preparation:** Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is designed for ease. With minimal hands-on time, you can have it prepped and ready for the oven in **under 1 hour**, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

This Harissa Chicken recipe truly checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, comforting, distinctly unique, and remarkably easy to execute. It has become a cherished staple in our household for years, a testament to its simple yet profound appeal. The magic lies in how basic, accessible ingredients transform into a luscious, savory, and deeply satisfying dinner with surprisingly little effort. We are thrilled to finally share this culinary gem with you, confident it will become a new favorite in your kitchen too.

This beloved recipe was originally published on May 25th, 2019. It has since been updated with enhanced tips for achieving perfection and new, clearer images, including step-by-step photos to guide you through the process.

Harissa chicken served on a bed of rice in a rustic ceramic dish, garnished with fresh herbs.

Table of Contents

  • What is Harissa? Unveiling the Fiery Paste
  • Essential Ingredients You’ll Need for Harissa Chicken
  • How to Make Harissa Chicken (Step-by-Step Guide)
  • Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Honey Harissa Chicken
  • Mastering the Dish: Tips for Harissa Chicken Success
  • Storing Leftovers: Keeping Your Harissa Chicken Fresh
  • Leftover Transformation: Creative Ways to Enjoy!
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Harissa Chicken
  • Discover More Chicken Recipes You’ll Adore

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What is Harissa? Unveiling the Fiery Paste

Before we dive into creating this delectable harissa chicken, let’s explore the star ingredient: harissa. This vibrant and aromatic chili paste is a culinary staple that originated in Tunisia, a country nestled in North Africa. Its rich history and bold flavor have made it an indispensable condiment in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines, adding depth and a delightful kick to countless dishes.

Traditionally, harissa paste is crafted from a harmonious blend of hot chili peppers, meticulously ground with an array of fragrant spices such as coriander, cumin, paprika, and caraway seeds. Fresh garlic, a good quality olive oil, and sometimes herbs are also incorporated to create its distinct, complex profile. The resulting paste offers a fascinating interplay of flavors: it’s inherently hot, carrying a pleasant warmth that invigorates the senses; it has a subtle sweetness that balances the heat; and a characteristic tanginess that adds a bright, zesty note.

The beauty of harissa lies in its versatility and depth. While it’s known for its heat, this isn’t a one-dimensional spice. The careful combination of spices gives it an earthy, almost smoky undertone, while the garlic provides a pungent base, and the olive oil helps to meld all these elements into a smooth, emulsified paste. It’s this intricate balance that makes harissa such a cherished ingredient and why it pairs so exceptionally well with the sweetness of honey in our harissa honey chicken recipe. The honey acts as a perfect counterpoint, softening the chili’s intensity and enhancing the sweeter, more aromatic notes of the paste, creating a truly irresistible glaze for our chicken.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need for Harissa Chicken

Various fresh ingredients for harissa chicken laid out on a baking tray, including a whole chicken, red onions, bell peppers, lemon, garlic, and a jar of harissa paste.

For precise quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

  • Whole Chicken: Our recipe spotlights a whole chicken, making it an excellent choice for feeding the entire family with the added bonus of potential leftovers for future meals. The process of butterflying (spatchcocking) the chicken ensures even cooking and beautifully crisp skin. While a whole bird is recommended for maximum flavor and juiciness, you can certainly adapt this recipe using individual chicken pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Just be mindful that cooking times will be significantly shorter for smaller cuts. For the best results, always opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken, as the bone contributes moisture and flavor, and the skin renders beautifully, creating that coveted sweet and spicy crust.
  • Red Onions: Sliced red onions are strategically placed around the chicken in the roasting pan. As they bake alongside the chicken, they soften considerably, caramelizing slightly and releasing their sweet, savory juices. These caramelized onions contribute a wonderful depth of flavor to the pan juices, enriching the entire dish.
  • Capsicums (Bell Peppers): Adding colorful bell peppers transforms this chicken harissa into a more complete and wholesome meal. Don’t be surprised if the quantity of raw peppers appears substantial in the pan; they will soften, shrink, and intensify in flavor as they roast, becoming wonderfully sweet and tender, and reaching the perfect amount by the time the dish is ready. Feel free to use a mix of colors for a visually appealing presentation.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A modest drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil is essential. It prevents the chicken and vegetables from sticking to the baking dish, helps distribute the marinade evenly, and contributes to the golden-brown crust on the chicken and the tender texture of the roasted vegetables.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a critical component of the harissa honey chicken sauce. Its bright, acidic notes cut through the richness of the chicken and the heat of the harissa, adding a crucial layer of tanginess and freshness that elevates the overall flavor profile. Always opt for fresh lemon juice over concentrate for the most vibrant taste.
  • Garlic: Two cloves of finely minced garlic are integrated into the marinade, infusing the chicken with their pungent, aromatic essence. Garlic is a foundational flavor in many cuisines, and here, it adds an indispensable savory layer that complements the harissa beautifully.
  • Harissa Paste: The undeniable star of this dish! Harissa paste is what gives our chicken its signature spicy, earthy, and aromatic character. Its unique flavor profile is impossible to replicate with individual spices. If your local grocery store doesn’t carry it, don’t hesitate to check specialty food stores or order it online. The quality of your harissa will directly impact the depth of flavor in your final dish, so choose wisely.
  • Honey: A touch of sweetness is vital for balancing the fiery notes of the harissa. Honey not only adds a beautiful golden sheen and sticky glaze to the chicken skin but also mellows the spice, creating a delightful sweet-and-heat dynamic. While any honey works, using a good quality, flavorful honey can enhance the overall gourmet experience.
  • Salt: A simple pinch of salt is all that’s needed to season the chicken and bring all the incredible flavors together, enhancing their individual characteristics and ensuring a well-rounded, delicious meal.

How to Make Harissa Chicken (Step-by-Step Guide)

A small glass jug filled with the vibrant red harissa marinade, ready to be applied to the chicken.

For the complete and detailed recipe, including precise measurements and helpful tips, please refer to the recipe card below.

  1. Prepare the Harissa Marinade: Begin by creating the star of our dish – the vibrant harissa marinade. In a small bowl or jug, combine the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, potent harissa paste, sweet honey, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and form a smooth, aromatic paste (photo 1). Set this flavor-packed mixture aside; it’s going to work wonders on our chicken!
A four-panel collage illustrating the process of butterflying a whole chicken, showing cuts along the backbone and flattening the bird.
  1. Butterfly the Chicken (Spatchcocking): This technique ensures the chicken cooks more evenly and results in wonderfully crisp skin. Place the whole chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. Using a sturdy pair of poultry shears (or a very sharp knife), carefully cut down one side of the backbone (photo 2), starting from the tail end up to the neck. Repeat this process down the other side of the backbone (photo 3), effectively removing the bone entirely (photo 4). Discard the backbone or save it for making stock. Flip the chicken over so it’s breast-side up, then firmly press down on the breastbone with the palm of your hand until you hear a crack and the bird flattens out (photo 5). This creates a more uniform thickness, leading to better roasting. For a more visual and in-depth explanation, refer to this helpful guide on how to butterfly a whole chicken.
A close-up image of heavy-duty poultry shears.

Poultry shears are an absolute game-changer for tasks like butterflying or spatchcocking chicken, which is the process detailed above. While not strictly essential (a sharp knife can work), these heavy-duty kitchen tools are specifically designed to effortlessly cut through bone, making the job quick, safe, and easy. Their sturdy construction isn’t just for raw poultry; they are equally useful for neatly chopping up cooked chicken or other ingredients, proving to be a versatile addition to any kitchen.

A roasting pan filled with chopped bell peppers and onions, with a butterflied whole chicken placed on top.
  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice your capsicums (bell peppers) into large pieces and quarter your red onions. In a large baking dish or roasting tray (ensure it’s big enough to comfortably hold the flattened chicken), drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil. Scatter the chopped onions and bell peppers evenly across the bottom of the dish (photo 6). These vegetables will not only provide a flavorful bed for our chicken but will also soften and release their sweet juices as they roast, creating incredibly rich and savory pan juices that are essential for the finished dish.
  2. Apply the Sauce: Take the prepared harissa and honey marinade and generously rub it all over the butterflied chicken. Ensure every part of the bird, especially under the skin of the breast and thighs, is thoroughly coated. This ensures maximum flavor penetration and that beautiful, glossy finish.
  3. Roast to Perfection: Carefully place the marinated harissa chicken on top of the bed of prepared vegetables in the roasting dish, ensuring the breast side is facing up (photo 7). Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and roast for approximately 40-50 minutes. During this stage, the chicken will begin to cook through, and the flavors will start to meld beautifully.
  4. Broil for Crispness and Color: Once the initial roasting time is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the aromatic pan juices that have accumulated over the chicken. Then, place the baking dish back into the oven under the grill/broiler setting. Keep a very close eye on it during this step, as the honey in the marinade can caramelize quickly and potentially burn. It’s recommended to check every 60-90 seconds. If any parts of the chicken start to darken too much, cover them lightly with small pieces of aluminum foil to prevent burning while the other parts continue to crisp and caramelize. This broiling step is crucial for achieving that irresistible crispy skin and deepening the rich, savory flavor.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once your harissa honey chicken has reached golden-brown perfection and the internal temperature is safe (74°C / 165°F), remove it from the oven. Transfer the entire bird to a clean cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period is vital for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender, moist, and incredibly flavorful chicken. Carve the rested chicken, serve it alongside the beautifully roasted vegetables, and generously spoon over those incredible pan juices. Enjoy!
A dish of carved harissa chicken and roasted vegetables served with rice and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Honey Harissa Chicken

This honey harissa chicken is a powerhouse of flavor on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to an even higher level. We generally like to keep things elegantly simple, typically serving this harissa chicken recipe with a side of fluffy white rice or light and airy couscous. These grains are excellent for soaking up the delicious pan juices and balancing the bold flavors of the chicken.

To truly complement the fiery kick of the harissa paste, we highly recommend topping your serving with a generous dollop of cool Greek yogurt or plain natural yogurt. The creamy, tangy yogurt provides a wonderful contrast, acting as a soothing counterpoint to the spice and adding a refreshing element to each bite. If yogurt isn’t your preference, sour cream works equally well, offering a similar cooling effect and creamy texture. For those seeking a lower-carb alternative, consider serving it with some cauliflower rice or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and crunch.

Beyond traditional sides, this versatile chicken also shines when incorporated into other dishes. Flaked chicken and roasted vegetables can be fantastic additions to warm pita bread with some fresh cucumber and hummus, or even piled into lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combination!

Don’t Throw Away the Pan Juices! The Secret Sauce for Extra Flavor – One of the best, most overlooked treasures of this recipe is the incredible sauce that develops at the bottom of the roasting pan. As the chicken roasts and the vegetables caramelize, they release their exquisite juices, mingling with the harissa-honey marinade to create a rich, tangy, subtly spicy, and wonderfully sweet concoction. This “liquid gold” requires absolutely no extra effort to make and transforms into a truly magnificent sauce. It’s perfect for drizzling generously over the carved chicken and accompanying sides, adding an extra layer of moisture and intense flavor. So, before serving, make sure to carefully scrape up all those delicious bits from the bottom of the pan, pour the luscious juices into a small jug, and serve it on the side for everyone to enjoy.

Mastering the Dish: Tips for Harissa Chicken Success

Achieving a perfectly cooked, flavorful harissa chicken is simple with a few key strategies. These tips will help you maximize flavor, ensure even cooking, and handle the unique characteristics of this delicious marinade:

  • Repurpose Leftover Peppers for a Delightful Sauce: If you find yourself with a surplus of roasted bell peppers (or even fresh ones you’d like to use), don’t let them go to waste! They can be easily blitzed up with a few additional ingredients to create a stunning homemade romesco sauce. This Spanish-inspired sauce, typically made with roasted bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, almonds, and olive oil, offers a rich, nutty, and savory complement that is truly delicious and versatile, perfect for dipping, spreading, or serving with other meats.
  • Utilize a Meat Thermometer for Precision: The single most effective way to ensure your honey harissa chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat every single time is by using a reliable meat thermometer. After the initial roasting period (around 45 minutes), insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, being careful not to hit any bone. The chicken is safely cooked when it registers an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). This eliminates guesswork and prevents overcooking, which can lead to dry chicken.
  • Strategic Use of Foil During Broiling: The broiling (overhead grilling) step is essential for achieving that beautifully crisp, caramelized skin. However, due to the sugar content in the honey, the marinade can darken very quickly, and some areas might char before others. To manage this:
    1. Even Placement: Before broiling, try to make the chicken as level as possible in the pan. You can achieve this by pushing the roasted vegetables underneath or by placing small, crumpled pieces of aluminum foil under specific parts of the chicken to raise them slightly.
    2. Vigilant Monitoring: Crucially, remain vigilant. Check the chicken every 60-90 seconds. As soon as you notice any parts beginning to get too dark, gently cover those areas with small pieces of aluminum foil. This acts as a shield, allowing the lighter parts to continue caramelizing without the already browned sections burning. It might look like a “patchwork chicken” temporarily, but this technique truly works wonders for achieving even browning. A little charring adds a delicious smoky note and depth of flavor, but you want to avoid outright burnt spots. Embrace a few crispy, darkened edges – they are often the most flavorful!
A whole roasted harissa chicken, butterflied and cut in two halves on a serving plate.

Storing Leftovers: Keeping Your Harissa Chicken Fresh

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious harissa chicken long after the first meal. Any leftover chicken should be allowed to cool completely to room temperature (but no longer than two hours) before being transferred to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the chicken will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 3-4 days. This chicken actually reheats remarkably well, especially in the microwave for a quick meal, or gently in the oven to help crisp up the skin again.

Leftover Transformation: Creative Ways to Enjoy!

Don’t let a single morsel of this flavorful harissa chicken go to waste! Leftovers are an opportunity for culinary creativity and can easily be transformed into exciting new meals for the days to come. Here’s a fantastic idea to make the most of your remaining chicken and roasted vegetables:

Start by stripping all the meat from the chicken bones. Shred or roughly chop the chicken meat, and do the same with any leftover roasted peppers and onions from the pan. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken and vegetables and sauté until everything is heated through and the chicken meat develops some wonderfully crispy edges – these bits are packed with flavor! Serve this savory mixture in warm tortillas, taco-style. Top generously with your favorite taco fixings, such as shredded cheese, fresh avocado slices or guacamole, and a dollop of cool sour cream. The combination of spicy, savory chicken with creamy avocado and tangy sour cream is absolutely divine and makes for a quick, satisfying, and incredibly delicious meal. Yum!

Beyond tacos, consider incorporating the shredded harissa chicken into salads, sandwiches, wraps, or even a quick pasta dish for a burst of unique flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions About Harissa Chicken

Is harissa chicken very spicy?

The spice level of harissa chicken can vary significantly, primarily depending on two factors: the specific type of harissa paste you use and the quantity you add to the recipe. Harissa pastes range from mild to intensely hot, so it’s always a good idea to check the label or even taste a small amount beforehand if you’re unsure. While harissa is known for its distinctive heat, you have complete control over the spiciness. You can easily adjust the amount of paste to suit your preference. Furthermore, balancing the heat with other ingredients like sweet honey (as we do in this recipe) and cooling additions such as Greek yogurt or sour cream when serving will significantly mellow the overall spice, allowing you to enjoy the complex flavors without being overwhelmed by heat. Feel free to start with a smaller amount and add more if you desire extra kick!

Should I marinate the chicken before roasting?

For this particular recipe, we’ve designed it for convenience and maximum flavor without requiring a lengthy marination time. The robust harissa-honey mixture is rubbed directly onto the chicken before roasting, and the flavors penetrate beautifully during the cooking process. Therefore, I typically don’t find it necessary to marinate the chicken for an extended period. That being said, if you have some extra time on hand and are looking to achieve an even deeper, more intense flavor profile and a slightly spicier result, you certainly can. After applying the sauce, you can let the chicken sit in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before roasting. Longer marination times are usually not needed for butterflied chicken, as the surface area is maximized for flavor absorption during roasting.

Can I use another cut of chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe is optimized for a whole butterflied chicken to yield maximum flavor and juiciness, it is highly adaptable to other cuts of chicken. As mentioned earlier in the ingredients section, you can easily use individual chicken pieces such as bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks to make this delicious harissa chicken recipe. If you opt for boneless, skinless cuts, please remember that they will cook significantly faster due to their leaner nature and lack of bone. It’s crucial to keep a very close eye on the chicken as it roasts and to use a meat thermometer to ensure it doesn’t overcook and become dry. Boneless pieces might only need 20-30 minutes of roasting time, so adjust accordingly to achieve perfectly tender and juicy results.

A hand pouring pan juices from a small jug over a fully roasted harissa chicken in a serving dish.

Discover More Chicken Recipes You’ll Adore

If you loved the flavors and simplicity of this Harissa Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our delicious and easy-to-make chicken recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

  • Herb Roasted Chicken: A classic, aromatic, and comforting roast chicken perfect for Sunday dinner.
  • Air Fryer Roast Chicken: Achieve perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal effort using your air fryer.
  • Creamy Peppercorn Chicken: Indulge in tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy peppercorn sauce.
  • Lime Chilli Coconut Chicken: A taste of the tropics with a vibrant and zesty kick.
  • Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings: Crispy, savory, and incredibly addictive – perfect for appetizers or a casual meal.
  • Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken: A delicate and flavorful dish featuring bright lemon and earthy thyme in a luscious cream sauce.
  • Chicken Basil Pesto Pasta: A quick and easy weeknight meal bursting with fresh basil pesto flavor.

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Closeup of half of the harissa chicken, golden brown and garnished.

Harissa Chicken

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

5 from 3 ratings
This harissa chicken is tender, juicy roast chicken packed with exotic flavour. Spicy, savoury, tangy and sweet, it’s so easy to make too.
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Ingredients

  • 1.6 kg whole chicken (approx. 3 ½lb)
  • 2 red onions, quartered
  • 4 large capsicums (bell peppers), mixed colours, cut into large pieces
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup harissa paste
  • 1 ½ tablespoons honey (see notes 1 below)
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided

Equipment

  • Poultry shears / cleaver / or good sharp knife
  • Chopping board
  • Large roasting tray
  • Meat thermometer (highly recommended for perfectly cooked meat every time)

Instructions

 

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan forced) / 400°F. Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the chicken inside for optimal cooking.
  • Prepare your vegetables: remove the stem and seeds from the capsicums (bell peppers) and cut them into large, substantial pieces. Cut the red onions into quarters. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil (just enough to prevent sticking) into the bottom of a large baking dish or tray that’s spacious enough to comfortably fit your butterflied chicken. Scatter the prepared onion and capsicum pieces evenly across the bottom of the dish.
  • Butterfly the chicken (Spatchcocking): Place the whole chicken breast-side down on a clean cutting board. Using a sturdy pair of poultry shears or a sharp knife, cut down each side of the backbone to remove it completely. Discard the backbone or save it for stock. Flip the chicken over so it is breast-side up, then use the palm of your hand to firmly press down on the breastbone until you hear or feel a crack and the chicken flattens out. This technique ensures even cooking and crispier skin.
  • In a small bowl or jug, combine the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, harissa paste, honey, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined to form a smooth, vibrant marinade. Generously rub this aromatic mixture all over the butterflied chicken, ensuring it’s coated evenly on all sides, especially under the skin where possible for maximum flavor.
  • Carefully place the marinated chicken on top of the bed of vegetables in the roasting dish, ensuring the breast side is facing up. Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and roast for 40-50 minutes. During this initial roasting, the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken (without touching bone) should reach approximately 65°C / 150°F (using a meat thermometer). It’s important that the chicken is not fully cooked at this point, as it will continue to cook in the next broiling step. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, aim for the chicken to be mostly cooked through but still slightly under.
  • After the initial roasting, carefully take the chicken out of the oven. Switch your oven’s setting to broiler / overhead grill on high. Allow the broiler elements to heat up fully before proceeding.
  • Spoon the flavorful pan juices that have accumulated over the chicken, ensuring a good glaze. Then, place the roasting pan under the broiler / overhead grill. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, but remain vigilant and check the chicken every 1 to 1 ½ minutes to prevent burning, as the honey can caramelize quickly. Some charring is desirable for flavor, but you want to avoid an all-over burn. If you observe certain parts getting too dark too quickly while others still need more color, simply place small pieces of aluminum foil over the excessively browned areas. You can also strategically use the roasted vegetables underneath or crumpled pieces of foil under the chicken to prop it up, making the meat as level as possible for more even crisping.

    For food safety, fully cooked chicken should register an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

  • Once cooked to perfection, transfer the harissa chicken from the roasting pan to a clean chopping board. Create a loose tent over the chicken using aluminum foil and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and moist final result.
  • While the chicken is resting, turn off the oven but place the pan with the roasted vegetables back inside. This will keep the vegetables warm until you are ready to serve.
  • After resting, carve the chicken into desired pieces using a carving knife or cleaver. Drizzle generously with a little of those incredible pan juices, serve alongside the warm, caramelized vegetables, and enjoy this flavorful feast!
  • Serving suggestion: This harissa chicken is wonderfully complemented by a side of fluffy rice or couscous, with a dollop of cooling yogurt (Greek or plain) on the side to balance the spice.
  • We would love to hear from you! Please take a moment to leave a comment & rating on the recipe. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and incredibly helpful to us and other home cooks. Thank you!

Notes

  1. Tablespoons: Please note that I use a standard Australian 20ml tablespoon in my recipes (which is equivalent to 4 teaspoons). It’s a good idea to check the capacity of your own measuring spoons before you start to ensure accuracy in your measurements.
  2. Nutrition Information: The nutritional details provided are approximate estimates only. They are derived from an online calculator and can vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you choose to use. Please scroll below the recipe to find the full nutritional information table for a detailed breakdown.

DISCOVER MORE DELICIOUS CHICKEN RECIPES!

Calories: 351kcal
Author: Marie Roffey
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Have you tried this recipe?Don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below and let me know how it was! I love hearing from you. Nutrition information is approximate and derived from an online calculator. The brands you use may cause variations.
Nutrition Facts
Harissa Chicken
Amount Per Serving (249 g)
Calories 351
Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 9g
Cholesterol 96mg32%
Sodium 441mg19%
Potassium 514mg15%
Total Carbohydrates 15g5%
Dietary Fiber 3g13%
Total Sugars 11g12%
Protein 25g50%
Vitamin A 2741IU55%
Vitamin C 109mg132%
Calcium 33mg3%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.