Description
Harissa Honey Chicken Thighs combine the bold heat of North African harissa paste with the natural sweetness of honey to create juicy, tender chicken bursting with spicy-sweet flavor. This easy-to-make dish uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated for maximum flavor and baked to crispy perfection. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it offers a vibrant glaze and delicious balance that is both impressive and effortless.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together harissa paste, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours in the refrigerator to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Preheat and Prepare to Cook: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease a wire rack placed on top to promote even air circulation and help crisp the chicken skin.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), allowing the skin to caramelize into a sticky, crispy coating.
- Finish and Rest: For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end while watching carefully to avoid burning. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to seal in the juices.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juiciness and crispy skin.
- Baste the chicken with leftover marinade halfway through cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices for moist bites.
- Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your desired spice level.
- Serve immediately for the best honey glaze texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North African / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg