Description
Harissa Honey Chicken is a sweet, spicy, and smoky Mediterranean-inspired sheet pan dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky glaze of harissa, honey, lemon, garlic, and warm spices. Bold, caramelized, and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 lemon, freshly juiced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Urfa Biber, Aleppo pepper, or red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 g)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together harissa paste, tomato paste, honey, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Stir in chili flakes (or alternative), ground coriander, smoked paprika, and minced garlic.
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Add chicken to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. If short on time, marinate at room temperature for 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer marinated chicken and all marinade to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the top is caramelized.
- Spoon pan juices over the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Reduce harissa and omit extra chili flakes for a milder version.
- Chicken breasts can be used; reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
- Bone-in thighs require 40–45 minutes of cooking time.
- Add vegetables like red onions, zucchini, or bell peppers for a complete sheet pan meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
