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Harissa Chicken Thighs

These harissa chicken thighs are spicy, sweet, and PACKED full of flavor. They are baked on a sheet pan and come out super crispy. If you love that spicy and sweet combination these chicken thighs are for you!

Harissa Chicken Thighs on a plate with couscous.

My favorite way to jazz-up a weeknight meal is to use bold and bright delicious flavors. 

This harissa chicken thigh recipe is just that!

Juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin, covered in spicy harissa and sweet honey, is the perfect flavor bomb of any night of the week. 

I love to pair these harissa chicken thighs with fluffy white rice, or my favorite Moroccan couscous with chickpeas.

Don’t be afraid to be bold in the kitchen! Trust me, your family is going to love this dish!

Harissa Chicken Thighs served on a plate.

Ingredients for harissa chicken thighs 

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – Both the bone, and the skin, help keep these chicken thighs juicy and delicious.
  • Harissa – A hot chili pepper paste with garlic and spices.
  • Honey – To bring sticky delicious sweetness to our dish. 
  • Lemon – Lemon helps bring a freshness to all of the spices. 
  • Butter – Butter is our fat used in this dish, to help provide moisture. 
Harissa Chicken Thighs served with crispy skin.

What is harissa? 

Harissa is a North African spicy chili paste, made from dried chile peppers, spices, and garlic. 

It is easily found in the International food aisle of most grocery stores. 

There are often mild and hot varieties to suit all palates.

You can use it in marinades, on proteins (like we’re using on our chicken thighs here,) or even on roasted vegetables. 

Make ahead

You could make the rub for this chicken, and place it in the baking dish, covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator up to a day before you need to bake it. 

Using margarine

Don’t be afraid to substitute margarine, or an alternative butter, for this recipe. They will work well here.

Harissa Chicken Thighs plated with a fork.

Storage and leftovers

The leftovers for the harissa chicken thighs are easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating is as simple as placing the chicken thighs in a microwave safe dish, covered loosely with a wet paper towel, for 2-3 minutes or until heated thoroughly. 

Harissa Chicken Thighs on a white plate.

More chicken thigh recipes

These harissa chicken thighs are spicy, sweet and PACKED full of flavor. They are baked on a sheet pan and come out super crispy. If you love that spicy and sweet combination these chicken thighs are for you!

Harissa Chicken Thighs

Author: Brandy O’Neill – Nutmeg Nanny
These harissa chicken thighs are spicy, sweet and PACKED full of flavor. They are baked on a sheet pan and come out super crispy. If you love that spicy and sweet combination these chicken thighs are for you!
4.49 from 106 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoon harissa
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 6 chicken thighs bone in, skin on
  • Kosher salt to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, Silpat liner, or foil, set aside.
  • In a small bowl whisk together butter, honey, harissa, and lemon juice.
  • Lay chicken thighs onto your prepared baking dish and baste each chicken thigh (top and bottom) with the harissa mixture and place back on the sheet pan, skin side up.
  • Add to the oven, and cook for about 30 minutes, basting the chicken thighs with the remaining harissa mixture 1-2 times while baking.
  • Keep an eye on the chicken near the end of cooking time to make sure the skin doesn't burn. If the skin starts to brown too fast tent the chicken with foil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 524kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 265mg | Sodium: 601mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g
Course Main Course
Cuisine African
Keyword chicken thigh recipes, harissa chicken, harissa chicken thighs, harissa recipes, spicy chicken recipes
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and 5 star review!
Harissa Chicken Thighs pin for Pinterest.
Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

Recipe Rating




Liz

Monday 30th of May 2022

Great recipe! Looking forward to scaling up this marinade and try it on chicken wings!

Susan

Wednesday 11th of November 2020

My chicken is in the oven as I write this. The sauce is delicious. I have only just discovered the wonders of Harissa, since I recently made a Tajine, and I am now addicted. The honey and lemon and melted butter, is a fabulous combination. Thank you for this. I will make this again, I am sure.

Krista

Wednesday 20th of February 2019

Wow! These flavors sound amazing and the chicken looks so good!

Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert

Monday 18th of February 2019

I know for sure this would be a huge hit in my house!

Melanie Bauer

Sunday 17th of February 2019

This dish is a winner! I'd love to try this, love the combinations of flavors!

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