What Is Harissa Made Of Chicken? Ingredients, Variations

Name: What is Harissa Made of Chicken?
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: North African
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs (or breasts); 2 tablespoons Harissa paste; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)

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What is Harissa Made of Chicken?, Have you ever craved a dish that’s spicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor? If so, Harissa Chicken might just become your new favorite! This dish takes the fiery North African Harissa spice blend and combines it with tender, juicy chicken for an explosion of taste. I personally love how versatile it is—you can grill it, roast it, or even toss it into a hearty stew. In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know about Harissa Chicken, from its origins to how you can make it perfectly at home!

Place of Origin

Harissa comes from North Africa, mainly Tunisia, but it’s also widely used in Morocco and Algeria. It’s a bold and aromatic chili paste made from sun-dried peppers, garlic, olive oil, and a mix of earthy spices. Traditionally, it’s used to add heat and depth to stews, couscous, and grilled meats. Over time, Harissa has made its way into kitchens worldwide, becoming a go-to spice for those who love a little kick in their meals.

Tips for Selecting High-Quality Ingredients

Great Harissa Chicken starts with top-notch ingredients. Here’s what to look for:

Chicken: Whether you use breasts, thighs, or a whole chicken, always go for fresh, organic cuts for the best flavor.
Harissa Paste: You can find it at most grocery stores, but homemade Harissa is unbeatable. Freshly ground chili peppers make all the difference.
Additional Ingredients: Garlic, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, and spices like cumin and coriander help balance the heat and create layers of flavor.

How to Make Harissa Chicken

The beauty of Harissa Chicken is that it’s super easy to make! Whether you grill it for a smoky char, roast it for juicy tenderness, or pan-fry it for a crispy crust, this dish never disappoints. The key is marinating—let the flavors soak in for at least an hour, but overnight is even better.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Harissa Chicken

Ingredients Needed

4 chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tablespoons Harissa paste
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon honey (optional for balance)

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix Harissa paste, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and honey.
Marinate the chicken: Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Cover and let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour (overnight is best for deeper flavor).
Cook the chicken:
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until nicely charred.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Pan-sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with some olive oil and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
Serve and enjoy: Pair with rice, roasted veggies, or pita bread for a complete meal.

FAQs

What is Harissa Chicken made of?

Harissa Chicken is made with chicken (breast, thighs, or whole), Harissa paste, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and paprika. The combination creates a rich, spicy, and flavorful dish.

What is Harissa made out of?

Harissa is a North African chili paste made from sun-dried red chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices such as coriander, cumin, and caraway. It has a deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor.

What does Harissa taste like?

Harissa has a bold, smoky, and spicy taste with hints of garlic, lemon, and warm spices. It’s not just about heat—it has depth and complexity, making it a perfect seasoning for meats and vegetables.

What is Harissa seasoning similar to?

Harissa is similar to Sriracha, Gochujang, and Peri-Peri sauce, but with more earthy and smoky flavors. If you don’t have Harissa, you can substitute it with a mix of chili paste, smoked paprika, and garlic.

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