Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Harissa Honey Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 4 large skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Rub the mixture generously over each chicken thigh, making sure to coat both the top and under the skin for full flavor.
4. Place the chicken thighs, skin-side up, in a baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
5. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is browned and caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 165F (74C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
6. Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
7. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	479
Total Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	208mg
Sodium	720mg
Total Carbohydrate	13g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	9g
Protein	39g
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	36mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	554mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Harissa Honey Chicken

Harissa Honey Chicken is a modern culinary fusion that blends the fiery North African spice paste, harissa, with the natural sweetness of honey. Harissa itself originates from Tunisia, where it has been used for centuries as a staple in Maghrebi cuisine. Traditionally, this spicy chili paste is combined with garlic, olive oil, and a mix of aromatic spices like cumin and coriander. The pairing with honey, however, is a contemporary twist that balances heat with a subtle caramelized sweetness, creating a dish that has quickly gained popularity worldwide.

Regional Variations and Influences

While harissa is primarily Tunisian, its use has spread across North Africa and the Middle East. In Morocco, similar spicy pastes are often milder and incorporate smoked paprika. In Algeria, harissa may include more garlic and fresh herbs. The addition of honey and baking the chicken in the oven is more characteristic of Western adaptations, particularly in American and European kitchens, where the focus is on achieving a sweet-spicy glaze and crispy skin. Some regions also experiment with adding citrus juice or yogurt to tenderize the chicken and add depth of flavor.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Harissa Honey Chicken stands apart from other spicy chicken recipes, such as Buffalo chicken or general Middle Eastern roasted chicken, due to its distinctive flavor profile. The combination of harissa and honey creates a layered taste where sweetness softens the heat of the chili, unlike Buffalo chicken, which is predominantly vinegary and spicy, or Moroccan chicken tagine, which often includes dried fruits and nuts. The method of rubbing the paste under the skin of bone-in thighs also ensures a more intense flavor infusion compared to simply marinating the chicken externally.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This dish is often found in home kitchens as a weeknight dinner, but it has also made its way into bistros, casual dining restaurants, and modern fusion eateries. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a simple rice pilaf. In North African-inspired restaurants, Harissa Honey Chicken may be presented with flatbreads, pickled vegetables, or a side of harissa-spiced yogurt, making it both a visually appealing and flavorful main course.

Interesting Facts About Harissa Honey Chicken

• Harissa paste varies widely in heat level depending on the type of chili peppers used, allowing cooks to customize the spice intensity.
• The combination of honey and harissa not only enhances flavor but also helps caramelize the chicken skin for a crisp, golden finish.
• This recipe can be adapted for grilling, which adds a smoky depth reminiscent of traditional North African cooking over open flames.
• Harissa has been historically used as a natural preservative due to its chili content, which has antimicrobial properties.
• Modern chefs often experiment by adding pomegranate molasses or maple syrup as alternative sweeteners to complement the harissas heat.

FAQ about Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

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