Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

Name: Harissa Honey Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; ½ cup harissa; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 5 cloves garlic (finely minced); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; ¼ cup honey

Published: January 8, 2026

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish can be ready in about an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of harissa, honey, and lemon creates a savory-sweet flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and made from wholesome ingredients, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this flavorful chicken dish.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Harissa honey chicken recipe successful, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand not only speeds up preparation but also ensures even cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution while cooking your chicken, ensuring perfectly roasted results.
Mixing bowl: Allows for easy combining of ingredients, helping you create the sauce without mess.
Meat thermometer: Guarantees chicken is cooked to the right temperature for safe consumption.

Ingredients

For this Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Chicken and Seasoning

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Sauce Ingredients

½ cup harissa (homemade or storebought)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (please see note)
5 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup honey

How to Make Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together harissa sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and honey until fully combined.
2. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them to coat completely with the sauce.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Place an oven rack in the center position. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush any leftover sauce from the bowl over the top of each thigh.
Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F when measured in the thickest part.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once baked:
1. Cover chicken loosely with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
2. Drizzle any remaining liquid from the baking sheet over the chicken before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Harissa Honey Chicken that’s sure to impress family and friends!

How to Serve Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

Harissa honey chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

With Fresh Salad

A crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the spicy notes of the chicken beautifully.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Serving harissa honey chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa adds texture and makes for a hearty meal. Consider using lemon-infused rice for extra flavor.

With Grilled Vegetables

Pairing the chicken with grilled seasonal vegetables brings out vibrant colors and adds a nutritious element to your plate.

In Pitas or Wraps

For a fun twist, shred the chicken and serve it in pita bread or wraps with fresh veggies and yogurt sauce for added creaminess.

With Couscous

Fluffy couscous absorbs the delicious sauce from the chicken, making each bite flavorful. Top with fresh herbs like parsley for an aromatic touch.

On a Charcuterie Board

Include slices of harissa honey chicken on a charcuterie board with hummus, olives, nuts, and cheeses for a delightful appetizer spread.

How to Perfect Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

To achieve the best results with your harissa honey chicken, follow these handy tips. They will help you create an even more flavorful and tender dish.

Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour or overnight if time permits. This enhances flavor penetration and tenderness.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and high-quality harissa paste. Fresh ingredients significantly improve taste and aroma.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest covered in foil for about 10 minutes after baking. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add additional spices such as cumin or paprika during marination for an extra flavor boost.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve the harissa honey chicken immediately after cooking while it’s still warm.

Best Side Dishes for Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

Serving side dishes alongside harissa honey chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that pair wonderfully with this flavorful dish.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic provide comfort and balance against the spicy chicken.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs excellently with the spicy notes of harissa.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad: A refreshing couscous salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs brings brightness to your plate.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering the main dish’s flavors.
Herbed Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf infused with herbs offers an aromatic base that complements the harissa honey chicken well.
Zucchini Noodles: Light and healthy zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil offer a low-carb option that pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the dish.
Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad dressed with lemon juice provides a satisfying side that balances out flavors beautifully.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn brushed with olive oil adds another layer of texture to your meal while enhancing its summer vibe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, and there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe. Here are a few pitfalls to steer clear of:

Skipping the marinating step: Marinating helps enhance the flavor of the chicken. Make sure to let it sit in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
Not drying the chicken: If you skip patting the chicken dry, it may not sear properly. Always dry them with paper towels before seasoning.
Using too high heat: Baking at a temperature that’s too high can cause the chicken to dry out. Stick to 400 degrees F for juicy results.
Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many pieces on one sheet can lead to uneven cooking. Arrange them with space in between for even heat distribution.
Ignoring resting time: Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute. Don’t skip this crucial step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

Cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Keeps well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F and place chicken on a baking sheet until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid overcooking, about 1-2 minutes per serving.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! You can substitute chicken breasts; just adjust cooking time as they may cook quicker than thighs.

How spicy is this Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe?

The spice level depends on the brand or recipe of harissa you use. Taste your harissa first and adjust according to your preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor.

What can I serve with Harissa Honey Chicken?

Pair it with rice, couscous, or a side salad for a complete meal. Roasted vegetables also complement it well.

How do I store leftover Harissa Honey Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any weeknight dinner. With its balance of savory and sweet flavors, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with different sides or additional spices to suit your taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card