If you’re looking for a chicken recipe that’s anything but boring, Harissa Honey Chicken is about to become your new favorite. It’s one of those dishes that surprises you — fiery, a little sweet, and bursting with personality in every bite.
What makes this dish shine is the perfect balance between smoky harissa paste and sweet golden honey. The heat builds slowly, mellowed out by the sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it roasts. The result? Crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
I first whipped this up on a whim during a midweek dinner rut — and now it’s on repeat. It takes minimal prep, uses pantry staples, and feels way fancier than it actually is. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just yourself, this chicken delivers flavor without fuss.
Why You’ll Love It:
- ✅ Bold, complex flavor with minimal effort
- ⏱️ Quick prep — perfect for busy nights
- 🍽️ Versatile enough for weeknights or weekend entertaining
- 🌶️ Customizable spice level to suit any palate
Pro Tip: Try marinating the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor and crispier skin — the lemon and garlic in the marinade work wonders.
Whether you serve it with couscous, a crisp herb salad, or warm flatbread, this dish brings a little North African magic right into your kitchen.
Ingredients for Harissa Honey Chicken
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s make sure your kitchen is stocked with everything you need to make this spicy-sweet masterpiece come to life. These ingredients are simple, but together they create bold, unforgettable flavor.
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for getting that golden, crispy skin. You can use boneless or chicken breasts if you prefer — just adjust the cooking time. - 2 tablespoons harissa paste
This is the star of the show. Harissa brings heat, smokiness, and depth. You can find it in most grocery stores or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. - 2 tablespoons honey
The sweetness balances the heat beautifully and creates a gorgeous caramelized finish. - 1 tablespoon olive oil
Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and assists with browning during searing. - 2 garlic cloves, minced
Adds that sharp, savory note to round out the flavors. - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Brightens up the marinade and tenderizes the chicken ever so slightly. - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Don’t underestimate these basics — they bring everything together.
🌿 Optional Garnishes & Add-ons
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped – for a fresh pop of green
- Lemon wedges – to squeeze over right before serving
- Greek yogurt or labneh – if you want a creamy side to cool the heat
Ingredient Notes from the Kitchen:
- No harissa? You can make a quick substitute with smoked paprika, cayenne, cumin, and a touch of tomato paste.
- Prefer less heat? Use 1 tablespoon of harissa to start — you can always add more later.
- Going skinless? No problem. Just know the texture and richness will be a bit different, so add a drizzle of olive oil when roasting.
How to Make Harissa Honey Chicken (Step-by-Step Instructions)
This recipe is all about letting the bold flavors of harissa and honey do the heavy lifting — no complicated techniques or fancy tools required. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a mouthwatering dinner ready in no time.
🔪 Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following:
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
👉 Pro Tip: Give it a quick taste — you want a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. If it’s too spicy, add a touch more honey. Too mild? Add an extra dash of harissa.
🍗 Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel — this helps the skin crisp up.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it.
- Rub the marinade in well, making sure every piece is coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
🌟 Kitchen Note: The longer the marination, the richer the flavor. Overnight is ideal if you’ve got the time.
🔥 Step 3: Sear for Flavor
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In an oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for about 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp.
💡 Don’t skip this step! Searing locks in flavor and gives the skin a beautiful texture before it finishes roasting.
🔥 Step 4: Roast to Perfection
- Flip the chicken so it’s skin-side up.
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
📏 Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. No guesswork needed.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes out of the oven — this helps the juices redistribute.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Spoon any extra pan sauce over the top… trust me, it’s liquid gold.
Final Touch:
Pair with couscous, roasted veggies, or a cool yogurt dip for contrast. You’ve just made a dish that feels both comforting and exotic — with hardly any stress.
Tips for Perfect Harissa Honey Chicken
This recipe is wonderfully simple, but a few smart kitchen moves can take it from really good to restaurant-level delicious. These tried-and-true tips are straight from my own kitchen after making this dish more times than I can count.
1. Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs for Maximum Flavor
They stay juicy, crisp up beautifully, and soak up the marinade like a sponge. If you’re using boneless or skinless cuts, keep an eye on the cook time — they’ll finish faster.
Pro Tip: Always pat the chicken dry before marinating. This helps the skin crisp, not steam.
2. Marinate as Long as You Can
30 minutes is the minimum, but overnight makes a noticeable difference. The garlic, lemon, and harissa work together to deeply infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
3. Don’t Skip the Sear
That quick stovetop sear before roasting builds a flavorful crust and locks in juices. You’re creating flavor layers — and it’s worth the extra step.
4. Let It Rest Before Serving
Once it’s out of the oven, give the chicken a 5-minute breather. It may be tempting to dig in right away, but letting it rest keeps every bite juicy.
5. Play with the Heat Level
Harissa varies in spiciness by brand. Start with a smaller amount and adjust next time if needed. Want it hotter? Add crushed red pepper or a touch of cayenne to the marinade.
6. Add a Splash of Broth for More Sauce
If your skillet looks a bit dry before roasting, pour in a few tablespoons of chicken broth. It’ll mix with the marinade and drippings to form a flavorful sauce you can spoon over the chicken.
7. Double the Marinade for Meal Prep
Make a double batch and marinate extra chicken for the week. It holds up beautifully and can be used in salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
Bonus: Make It Your Own
- Add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Mix in a little orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Swap in maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
Serving Suggestions for Harissa Honey Chicken
Once your kitchen is filled with the irresistible aroma of caramelized honey and smoky harissa, the only question left is: what should I serve with it? Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered with simple, delicious pairings that let this bold chicken shine while rounding out your plate beautifully.
Light & Fresh Pairings
- Herbed Couscous or Quinoa
Fluffy grains soak up that sweet-and-spicy pan sauce like a dream. Stir in chopped parsley, mint, or scallions for a fresh contrast. - Cucumber Yogurt Salad (or Tzatziki)
A cool, creamy side like this balances the heat and adds a refreshing crunch. Think tangy, herby, and spoon-worthy. - Simple Arugula or Baby Greens Salad
Toss with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. The peppery greens pair beautifully with the richness of the chicken.
Hearty Comfort Sides
- Roasted Potatoes or Sweet Potato Wedges
Crispy edges and tender centers make these a comforting addition. Bonus points if you roast them in the same oven while the chicken cooks. - Warm Flatbread or Pita
Perfect for scooping up every bit of the marinade-turned-sauce from your plate. - Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds or Raisins
Adds a slightly sweet note and some lovely texture — especially great if you’re leaning into a Moroccan-inspired vibe.
Drink Pairings
- Sparkling water with lemon or cucumber for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
🍴 How to Plate It Like a Pro
- Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the chicken right before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, a dusting of smoked paprika, or a few toasted sesame seeds for extra color and texture.
- Serve on a warm plate — it makes the whole meal feel just a bit more special.
Whether you’re going casual with a grain bowl or dressing it up for guests, this harissa honey chicken plays well with both rustic and elegant sides.
Nutrition Information for Harissa Honey Chicken
Curious about what’s on your plate? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving of this delicious Harissa Honey Chicken. While this isn’t medical advice, it gives you a clear idea of what you’re enjoying — and yes, it’s as balanced as it is flavorful!
🔢 Estimated Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugars: 9g (from honey)
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: ~480mg (can vary depending on harissa brand and added salt)
🍴 Nutrition Notes from the Kitchen:
- High in protein: Thanks to the chicken thighs, this dish is satisfying and keeps you full longer.
- Moderate carbs: Most of the sweetness comes from natural honey — no added sugar bombs here.
- Customizable: Watching sodium? Choose a low-sodium harissa or make your own.
- Low fiber? Pair it with fiber-rich sides like quinoa, roasted veggies, or a salad to round it out.
🔄 How to Lighten It Up (Optional Adjustments)
- Use skinless chicken breasts to cut fat and calories.
- Reduce honey to 1 tablespoon if you’re limiting sugar.
- Roast with extra vegetables in the pan to stretch each serving with fewer calories.
Whether you’re watching macros or just curious, this dish strikes a great balance between indulgence and nourishment — no sacrifice on flavor, ever.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Harissa Honey Chicken
Cooked a little extra? Lucky you — this Harissa Honey Chicken stores like a dream and tastes just as good (maybe even better) the next day. Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep the flavor and texture on point.
How to Store Leftovers
- In the Fridge:
Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container.
🕒 Keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. - In the Freezer:
Wrap each piece tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag.
📆 Best used within 2 months for peak flavor.
💡 Tip: If freezing, label with the date and portion sizes to make weeknight reheats a breeze.
🔁 How to Reheat Without Drying Out
- In the Oven (Best method)
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Place chicken in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
- Add a splash of broth or water to the bottom of the dish if it looks dry.
- In the Microwave (Quickest)
- Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals.
- Rotate occasionally to prevent uneven heating.
- On the Stovetop
- Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a few spoonfuls of water or broth.
- Cover with a lid and let it steam gently for 5–8 minutes.
Make-Ahead Ideas
- Meal Prep Hero:
Slice the chicken and store it with grains and veggies in meal-prep containers for easy lunches. - Reinvent Leftovers:
Shred and use in wraps, rice bowls, sandwiches, or tossed into a quick stir-fry.
Final Tip: Keep the Sauce!
Don’t toss the leftover pan juices — store them in a small container and reheat separately to spoon over your reheated chicken. It adds moisture and flavor.
FAQs – Harissa Honey Chicken
Got questions? You’re not the only one! Here are the most common ones I hear from home cooks — answered with real-world advice and a friendly nudge in the right direction.
🔥 Is harissa really spicy?
It can be — but it depends on the brand. Some harissa pastes are mild and smoky, others pack serious heat. Always taste before using, and start with less if you’re heat-sensitive.
🌶️ Want less spice? Use 1 tablespoon of harissa and add a little more honey to balance it out.
🍗 Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well — just keep in mind:
- They cook faster (about 18–20 minutes in the oven).
- They can dry out more easily, so consider covering them with foil halfway through roasting.
Tip: Butterfly thick breasts or pound them slightly for even cooking.
⏲️ Can I grill this instead of roasting?
Yes, and it’s amazing on the grill.
- Grill over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side.
- Brush with leftover marinade during the last few minutes for a sticky, flavorful finish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally. This recipe is perfect for prepping in advance:
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead.
- Cook and store leftovers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Reheat gently using the tips in the storage section.
What can I use instead of harissa?
If you don’t have harissa on hand, mix the following as a quick substitute:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- A small spoonful of tomato paste
- A drizzle of olive oil
It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll get you close!
Can I make this dish dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes to both!
- The base recipe is already dairy-free.
- Just check your harissa label to make sure it’s gluten-free (most are, but always check the fine print).
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If needed, use two skillets or roast in batches for even cooking and caramelization.
Harissa Honey Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges
- Greek yogurt or labneh to serve on the side
Instructions
Make the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together harissa paste, honey, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade. Let sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).
Sear:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Sear chicken skin-side down in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes.
Roast:
- Flip the chicken and transfer skillet to the oven. Roast for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest & Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish, and serve with your favorite sides.