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Honey Harissa Baked Chicken Thighs pinterest

Honey Harissa Baked Chicken Thighs

The perfect blend of sweet and spicy, these North African-inspired chicken thighs combine the complex heat of harissa with the natural sweetness of honey to create a perfectly balanced glaze that caramelizes beautifully on juicy chicken thighs.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean, North African
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Rimmed Baking Sheet
  • Wire Rack
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs approximately 2 pounds
  • 3 tablespoons harissa paste substitute with 2 tablespoons sriracha mixed with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika if needed
  • 2 tablespoons honey maple syrup works wonderfully for a different flavor profile
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • fresh cilantro for garnish (parsley makes an excellent alternative)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring it gets under the skin for maximum flavor penetration.
  • Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight marinating will deepen the flavor profile significantly.
  • Position your oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
  • Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared rack, ensuring they're not touching. Reserve any excess marinade for basting.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, then brush with the remaining marinade and continue baking for 10-15 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is deeply caramelized.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

For a milder version, reduce the harissa to 1-2 tablespoons or increase the honey slightly.
Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce the fat content if desired.
This dish pairs wonderfully with cooling cucumber-yogurt salad, couscous, or roasted vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 28gFat: 32gSodium: 680mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6g
Keyword Chicken Thighs, Harissa, Honey, Spicy Chicken, Baked Chicken, Sweet and Spicy
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