Easy Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

Honey Harissa Chicken offers an irresistible blend of flavors, transforming ordinary chicken into an unforgettable meal. This North African-inspired dish blends the heat of aromatic harissa paste with the sweetness of honey for a perfect balance that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you want to recreate your favorite Cava restaurant experience at home or are simply looking for a quick and amazing dinner option, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Quick Harissa Honey Chicken Overview :

Kitchen Tools for Harissa Honey Chicken :

Before diving into this culinary adventure, gather these essential tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Small bowl for sauce

Ingredients :

For the perfect harissa honey chicken, you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons honey (preferably raw)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Directions :

Harissa Honey Chicken Preparation Steps :

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin, paprika, and coriander until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken to the harissa honey mixture, ensuring each piece gets fully coated. For maximum flavor penetration, use your hands (with gloves if preferred) to massage the marinade into the chicken.

Step 4: Cover the bowl and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor development, you can marinate for up to 24 hours.

Step 5: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.

Step 7: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving whole.

Step 9: While the chicken rests, pour any remaining marinade into the hot pan (only if it hasn’t touched raw chicken) and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened to create a delicious sauce.

Step 10: Drizzle the chicken with the reduced sauce and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Harissa Honey Chicken Pro Tips :

• For more intense flavor infusion, lightly score the chicken breasts with a knife before marinating.
• If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just 1-2 tablespoons of harissa paste and adjust according to your preference.
• To prevent the honey from burning, make sure your pan isn’t too hot – medium-high heat is perfect.
• Set aside a portion of the marinade before adding the chicken if you want a clean sauce for drizzling later.
• For a smokier profile, try grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying.

Chef’s Notes :

Looking to customize your harissa honey chicken? Consider these expert variations:

• Substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, more forgiving result.
• Add a teaspoon of preserved lemon for an authentic North African twist.
• For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cold butter at the final stage of reduction.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting the harissa amount or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Nutrition Facts :

What to Serve With Harissa Honey Chicken ?

Transform your harissa honey chicken into a complete meal with these perfect accompaniments:

• Fluffy couscous or rice pilaf to soak up the flavorful sauce
• Roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant
• Fresh cucumber and tomato salad with a light lemon dressing
• Warm pita bread or naan for scooping up every last bit of sauce
• Cooling yogurt sauce with mint and cucumber to balance the heat
• Persian cucumber salad for a CAVA-inspired bowl experience
• Quinoa tabbouleh for added nutrition and texture

Personalize Your Dishes :

Adapt this harissa honey chicken recipe to suit various dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option : Double-check that your harissa paste doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients
• Dairy-Free : This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it perfect for lactose-intolerant diners
• Lower Carb : Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables instead of traditional grains
• Vegetarian Alternative : Substitute firm tofu, tempeh, or even hearty portobello mushrooms
• Less Spicy Version : Reduce the harissa paste and increase honey slightly for a milder flavor profile
• Paleo-Friendly : Use raw, unfiltered honey and ensure your harissa paste contains no additives

What Not To Do When Making Harissa Honey Chicken :

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your harissa honey chicken turns out perfectly:

• Don’t rush the marinating process – those 30 minutes are crucial for flavor development
• Avoid cooking on extremely high heat, which can burn the honey before the chicken cooks through
• Never crowd the pan with too many chicken pieces, as this will cause them to steam rather than caramelize
• Don’t skip the resting period after cooking, as this helps retain juices and ensures tender meat
• Avoid cross-contamination by reusing marinade that has touched raw chicken without proper cooking
• Don’t substitute regular chili sauce for harissa paste – the unique spice blend is what makes this dish special

Frequently Asked Questions :

Do harissa and honey go together ?

Certainly ! Harissa and honey create a wonderful harmony of flavors, perfectly balancing the sweet and spicy elements. The natural sweetness of the honey tempers the heat of the harissa and enhances its complex spicy flavor, producing a perfectly balanced taste experience.

What is harissa sauce made of ?

Harissa is a North African chili paste made primarily from roasted red peppers, chilies, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. Other ingredients such as tomatoes, rose petals, and preserved lemon are also added.

Is cava harissa honey chicken spicy ?

Cava-inspired honey harissa chicken offers a sweet and spicy flavor that will satisfy all tastes. The honey component naturally balances the heat of the harissa, adding a pleasant warming sensation rather than an overly spicy one. You can easily adjust the spice level by using more or less harissa paste.

Is harissa honey chicken healthy ?

Yes ! Honey Harissa Chicken offers excellent nutritional value thanks to the lean protein in the chicken and the beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in the spices. While the honey adds a touch of natural sweetness, the amount per serving is still modest, making it a balanced protein option for the health-conscious.

How strong is harissa ?

Traditional harissa has a medium to mild spicy flavor, with significant variation in intensity between brands and homemade varieties. Commercial varieties range from mild to hot, so check the label or taste before adding the full amount to your chicken marinade.

Is harissa the same as chili ?

No, harissa is very different from regular chili sauce or powder. While both contain chilies, harissa features a complex blend of aromatic flavors, including garlic, coriander, caraway, and cumin, giving it a distinct North African flavor with a depth that goes beyond simple heat.

Is harissa hotter than sriracha ?

Authentic harissa generally adds more heat than sriracha. Harissa’s heat builds gradually with a complex depth, while sriracha adds a more moderate, mild heat with strong garlic flavors. If you prefer to substitute one for the other, adjust the amounts accordingly to achieve your desired spice level.

Easy Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

Recipe by dinnersrecipes.comCourse: Main CourseCuisine: Middle EasternDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

310

kcal

Honey Harissa Chicken combines spicy harissa paste with sweet honey for a bold and delicious dish. Inspired by North African cuisine, it's an easy way to elevate your chicken to restaurant-quality quality with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick and special meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)

• 3 tablespoons harissa paste

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lemon, juiced and zested

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Directions

• Whisk harissa paste, honey, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice/zest, cumin, paprika, and coriander in a bowl.
• Season chicken with salt and pepper, then coat in the marinade.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
• Let chicken sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F).
• Rest for 5 minutes, then slice or serve whole.
• Reduce any unused marinade in the pan for 2-3 minutes for sauce.
• Drizzle sauce over chicken and garnish with cilantro or parsley.
  

Notes

• Substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, more forgiving result.
  Add a teaspoon of preserved lemon for an authentic North African twist.
  For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cold butter at the final stage of reduction.
  Customize the heat level by adjusting the harissa amount or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.