Easy Baked Harissa Chicken Thighs

When you want some amazingly delicious and unique chicken, these easy baked harissa chicken thighs are an awesome choice!

These easy baked harissa chicken thighs were an incredible hit at my house! They have a hint of spice, a hint of sweet, and a whole lot of flavor! If you’ve never tried harissa seasoning, you’re in for an extra special treat. Enjoy!

Let’s talk about our harissa seasoning!

Harissa is a North African spice blend. Depending on the brand you use, you’ll find some variations in the ingredients. Some of the most common ingredients include a blended mix of different chilies and a spice mix which may include caraway, coriander, cumin, garlic, onion, paprika or smoked paprika, and salt. There’s also often the addition of lemon zest, citric acid, or even rose petals to add a slight floral aspect. Some harissa seasoning mixes are more on the smoky side, and some are a touch sweeter. The heat level of harissa seasoning is typically mild, but this will also vary based on the types of chilies used. Harissa seasoning has a beautiful deep red color that gives our chicken amazing color. In stores, you’ll also see harissa paste or sauce which is made by combining dried chilies and the spices found in harissa seasoning with olive oil.

How do I make these easy baked harissa chicken thighs?

This is an incredibly quick and easy dish to prepare, but I do have a few tips so yours will turn out perfectly every time. First, you’ll want to spray your baking dish to help ensure your chicken won’t stick to the dish. Next, to make things easier, I sprinkle some of my harissa seasoning on the bottom of the dish. This way I can simply place my chicken, skin side up, in the dish and press it down to season the bottom of the chicken. I wanted a little more lemon flavor for my chicken, so I evenly drizzled fresh lemon juice over the chicken before sprinkling it with salt, pepper, and the remaining harissa seasoning. Topping each piece of chicken with a tablespoon of butter results in an awesomely browned and delicious skin. Last, if you’d like, you can drizzle some of the pan juices over your chicken.

Besides these easy baked harissa chicken thighs, what are some other ways I can use harissa seasoning?

You have some great options for using your harissa seasoning. It can be used to season all kinds and cuts of meat. You can sprinkle a little over your cooked vegetables to give them an awesome zing of flavor! When my son tried this chicken, he also had green beans and told me he loved the green beans served with some of the pan juices drizzled over them. This harissa seasoning can be added to chili, soups, taco meat, meatballs, and meatloaf. You can also sprinkle some over your eggs or salads. You can also make a paste or sauce by adding some olive oil to the seasoning. Then you can use the paste as a condiment, sauce, or even as part of a marinade. After you taste it, I’m sure you come up with many more inventive ways to use this harissa seasoning!

Need a side for your harissa chicken? Here are a few that would pair nicely with it!

Darlene’s Smoky Turnips with Bacon

Keto Sour Cream Green Beans

Low Carb Triple Root Vegetable Mash

Mom’s Sauteed Kohlrabi

Helpful Hints:

*You’ll know your chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

*If you’d like, you can drizzle some of the drippings from the baking dish over your chicken.

Main Kitchen Equipment and Utensils:

• 13×9 inch baking dish
• Measuring spoons

Splash of Encouragement:

***When you try new spices, you may just find some new favorites***