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Harissa Honey Chicken Thighs

Harissa Honey Chicken Thighs
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Harissa Honey Chicken Thighs combine the fiery warmth of North African harissa paste with the natural sweetness of honey, delivering a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal. Juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a vibrant, sticky glaze offer an exciting, comforting dish that’s quick and versatile enough for weeknight dinners or impressive meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: Combine harissa paste, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a balanced marinade that enrobes the chicken with flavorful layers.
  2. Marinate the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour over the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes — overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat and prepare your cooking surface: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill, depending on your preferred cooking method. A hot cooking surface is essential for getting that crispy skin texture.
  4. Cook the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on a baking sheet or grill. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Glaze and finish cooking: Brush the chicken with extra honey or reserved marinade in the last few minutes of cooking to build a sticky, glossy glaze that enhances the sweet-spicy contrast.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry before marinating to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Allow cooked chicken to rest 5 minutes so juices redistribute evenly.
  • Adjust spice levels by testing your harissa paste first; some brands are much hotter than others.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken without drying it out.
  • Save some marinade to brush on during cooking for a richer, layered flavor throughout the process.

Nutrition

Keywords: Harissa, Honey Chicken Thighs, Spicy chicken, North African chicken recipe, honey glaze chicken, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/harissa-honey-chicken-thighs/