Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients:
- 2–4 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust based on desired spice level)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup honey (use a high-quality, natural variety)
- Juice of 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon coriander (ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika, if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for added heat)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Chicken:
- 8–10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 2 pounds)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2–4 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix until the ingredients are well combined into a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Season 8–10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. If you’re short on time, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4. Bake the Chicken
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Place the dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Caramelize and Finish
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, switch to the broil setting to achieve caramelized, slightly charred edges. Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid burning.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and drizzle the pan juices over the top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level:
Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of harissa paste. Use a milder paste or reduce the quantity for less spice, or add extra chili flakes for more heat. - Marination Time:
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. However, even a quick 30-minute marination at room temperature will still enhance the dish’s taste. - Chicken Alternatives:
Boneless chicken thighs work best for their tenderness and juiciness. However, chicken breasts, drumsticks, or bone-in thighs can also be used. Adjust cooking times as needed. - Grilling Option:
For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of baking. Cook on medium-high heat for about 6–8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (based on 8 thighs, serves 4–6)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg