Harissa Roasted Chicken is a bold, fiery, and aromatic dish featuring chicken marinated in a smoky North African harissa paste, then roasted until juicy and beautifully caramelized. It’s spicy, savory, and packed with deep, rich flavor! 🔥🍗🌶️
🕒 Time: 1 hour (plus marination time)
🍽 Serves: 4
🌟 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (spatchcocked) or 1 kg chicken thighs/drumsticks
- 2–3 tbsp harissa paste (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional for Roasting:
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish
🔪 Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix harissa paste, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Rub the marinade all over the chicken, under the skin too if possible.
Marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better for deeper flavor). - Prepare for Roasting:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place sliced onions and lemon on a roasting tray. Set the marinated chicken on top. - Roast the Chicken:
Roast for 40–50 minutes, basting with pan juices halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 75°C/165°F) and the skin is crispy and charred in spots. - Rest and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after roasting. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra lemon slices.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
- Over fluffy couscous or saffron rice
- With roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers
- Paired with a cooling yogurt or tzatziki sauce
- Fresh pita or flatbread on the side
💡 Tips:
- Prefer mild spice? Use a mild harissa paste or mix it with a little extra olive oil.
- Add chickpeas to the roasting pan for a hearty one-pan meal!
- For a smoky grill version, grill the marinated chicken over medium heat instead of roasting.
Harissa Roasted Chicken brings the heat and flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy—just deep, smoky, and satisfying!
Would you like a quick homemade harissa paste recipe too? (It’s super easy and next-level delicious!) 🌶️✨
