Why You’ll Love This Harissa Chicken Recipe
When it comes to a flavorful and satisfying meal, this Harissa Chicken recipe stands out. I love how the spices blend perfectly, creating a warm and inviting dish that excites my taste buds.
The tender chicken, combined with the hint of sweetness from honey and the crunch of almonds, makes every bite a delight. Plus, it’s an easy one-pan recipe that saves me time on cleanup!
The addition of chickpeas adds heartiness, while the fluffy couscous serves as a perfect base. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want this comforting meal in your regular rotation.
Ingredients of Harissa Chicken
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal that’s sure to impress, knowing what ingredients you need is half the battle. This Harissa Chicken recipe is packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, gathering these ingredients will set you on the path to a culinary adventure. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to make this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 25 g almonds, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved
- 2 tablespoons harissa, dry blend
- 275 ml water
- 400 g canned chickpeas, drained
- 2 tablespoons currants
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 500 g couscous, steamed for 20 minutes
- 30 g butter
Now, while you might be tempted to rush out and grab everything on this list, take a moment to reflect on a few things.
First off, the harissa spice blend is key to the dish’s unique flavor. If you can’t find it at your local grocery store, don’t fret—there are plenty of recipes online to make your own or you could substitute with chili paste mixed with some spices.
In addition, the chickpeas add a nice heartiness to the dish; if you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap them out for another kind of bean, but let’s be real, chickpeas are classic for a reason.
Finally, don’t skimp on the almonds. They add a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. And hey, if you accidentally munch on a few while cooking, who could blame you? Cooking is all about enjoying the process, right?
How to Make Harissa Chicken
Now that you have all your ingredients lined up, it’s time to plunge into making this delicious Harissa Chicken. Start by grabbing a heavy-bottomed pan and adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it up until it’s hot—think of it as warming up before a workout, but for your pan.
Once it’s sizzling, toss in the 25 g of chopped almonds. Keep an eye on them, because you want them to turn golden brown, not burnt. When they’re just right, scoop them out and let them drain on a kitchen towel. This is the moment you can celebrate your first small victory in the kitchen.
Next, in the same pan (because who wants to do extra dishes?), add 2 smashed and chopped garlic cloves, 1 finely sliced large onion, and 2 halved large chicken breasts. Sauté everything for about 10 minutes, turning the chicken regularly until it’s browned and looking all delicious. The kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point.
Now, let’s amp up the flavor. Mix together 2 tablespoons of harissa, 275 ml of water, 2 tablespoons of currants, 1 tablespoon of honey, 3/4 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl. When that’s all combined, pour it over the chicken in the pan, sprinkle in the drained 400 g canned chickpeas, and cover it up.
Let it cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t forget to check on it—add more water if it looks like it’s drying out.
While that’s cooking, it’s time to give some love to the couscous. Steam 500 g of couscous for 20 minutes. Once it’s done, remove it and fluff it with your fingers (pro tip: crumbling it makes it extra light and airy).
Stir in 30 g of butter for that rich, comforting flavor. Now, the moment of truth: serve the chicken over the fluffy couscous and top it all off with those golden almonds you set aside earlier.
Take a moment to admire your creation before indulging. You’ve just made a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Harissa Chicken Substitutions & Variations
While you might be enthusiastic to follow the Harissa Chicken recipe exactly as it is, experimenting with substitutions and variations can really elevate your dish.
For a twist, try using thighs instead of breasts for juiciness. If you’re short on harissa, a mix of chili paste and smoked paprika works well.
You can swap chickpeas for lentils or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more color and nutrients.
Consider using quinoa instead of couscous for a gluten-free option.
Finally, sprinkle some feta cheese on top for a tangy finish.
These small changes can make a big difference!
Additional Tips & Notes
Here are a few additional tips to enhance your Harissa Chicken experience.
First, don’t skip toasting the almonds; it adds a delicious crunch. If you like it spicy, feel free to add more harissa or even a pinch of cayenne.
I also suggest letting the chicken marinate in the harissa mixture for a few hours—or overnight—if you have time; it really deepens the flavor.
Pair it with a fresh salad or yogurt for a cooling contrast.
Finally, save any leftovers for a tasty wrap or sandwich the next day; trust me, it’s just as good!
Enjoy your meal!