Harissa Chicken Recipe

Spice up chicken or just ways to use up Harissa? Check out this Harissa chicken recipe that will give dinner a beautiful vista!

Harissa chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish that has its roots in North African cuisine. The dish is made using a combination of harissa paste and chicken, which is then cooked to perfection. Harissa paste is a spicy blend of chili peppers, spices, and herbs that is commonly used in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. This article will explore the history of harissa chicken, its origins, and the influence it has had on the world.

What is harissa chicken, and where did it come from?

Harissa chicken is a dish that originated in Tunisia, a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Tunisia is known for its rich culinary traditions, and harissa chicken is just one of the many dishes that have become popular around the world. Harissa paste, which is the key ingredient in harissa chicken, is made from a blend of roasted chili peppers, garlic, caraway seeds, coriander, and cumin. This paste is then used to marinate chicken or other meats, giving them a flavorful and spicy kick.

What is the history behind harissa chicken?

The history of harissa chicken is closely tied to the history of Tunisia and the Maghreb region. Harissa paste has been used in North African cuisine for centuries, and it is believed to have originated in Tunisia. The paste was initially used as a way to preserve chili peppers and other spices, which were abundant in the region. Over time, harissa paste became a staple ingredient in many dishes, including harissa chicken.

Harissa chicken has a long and rich history, and it has been enjoyed by people in the Maghreb region for generations. The dish has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, thanks to the global influence of North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Today, harissa chicken can be found on the menus of restaurants around the world, and it is often included in cookbooks and food blogs as a flavorful and spicy dish that is easy to make at home.

How has harissa chicken influenced the world of cuisine?

Harissa chicken is just one example of the way that North African and Middle Eastern cuisine has influenced the world of food. The dish is a fusion of different flavors and ingredients, and it has become popular in many different cultures and regions. In the United States, for example, harissa chicken has become a favorite among foodies and home cooks who are looking for a new and exciting way to spice up their meals.

One famous person who was known for his love of harissa chicken was Anthony Bourdain, the late chef, author, and TV personality. Bourdain was a passionate advocate for global cuisine, and he often highlighted the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Maghreb region in his writing and on his TV shows. In one episode of his show “Parts Unknown,” Bourdain visited Tunisia and tried harissa chicken at a local restaurant. He described the dish as “a thing of beauty,” and he praised the way that the flavors of the harissa paste complemented the tender chicken.

Harissa chicken is a delicious and spicy dish that has a long and rich history in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. The dish has become popular around the world, thanks to its bold flavors and the global influence of North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Harissa chicken is a perfect example of the way that food can bring people together and create a sense of shared cultural identity. Whether enjoyed in Tunisia or in a restaurant in the United States,

Ingredients

Harissa

2 pieces / 50g Dried Hot chili pepper or more to taste (Guajillo, Chipotle, Arbol…)
2 large / 200g Red peppers
1 teaspoon / 1g Cumin (whole)
1 teaspoon / 1.5g Coriander (whole)
3 cloves / 12g Garlic
4 tablespoons / 50g Tomato sauce
1 teaspoon / 2g Paprika
½ piece / 20g Lemon’s juice
1 teaspoon / 5g Salt to taste
2 tablespoons / 15g Extra virgin olive oil

Chicken

6 tablespoon / 100g Harissa (Check out how to make: Harissa Recipe)
8 pieces / 1000g Chicken pieces
1 teaspoon / 1.3g Coriander (whole)
1 teaspoon / 1.3g Cumin (whole)
1 medium / 100g Onion
10 cloves / 30g Garlic
1 teaspoon / 2g Paprika
2 teaspoons / 10g Salt

How to make Harissa chicken

Make the harissa by grinding the spices then working together the ingredients in a food processor. For more detailed instructions, check out how to make: Harissa Recipe
De-bone the chicken if necessary. Big chunks of meat cook through longer which results drying out on low heat or burning on high.
Grind coriander, cumin then cut onion and finely chop garlic. Measure paprika and salt.
Add harissa and mix everything well together.
Let it marinate for a couple of hours, preferably 24 hours in the fridge.
Once the marination is done get ready for cooking. The easiest method is just throwing everything onto a baking tray and roast the chicken harissa in the oven just like Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe
Faster and maybe tastier method is roasting them on the cooktop in our favorite skillet. Heat skillet to medium high, pour in a bit of oil then place the meat on. Onions tend to burn during the process so it’s a good idea to remove them beforehand and fry them separately if desired.
Roast until the bottom gets golden brown color, then flip them over, about 2 – 5 minutes.
Once both sides gets golden brown color, the pinkness disappears in the inside of the thickest part that should happen when the chicken meat internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C, about 2 – 5 minutes more.

Enjoy!

F.A.Q.

What does harissa taste like?

Harissa is made of chili peppers and tomato sauce so once we overcome of its hotness we’ll experience the acidity of tomato and with a bit of luck the additional spices like cumin and coriander.

What is harissa made of?

Harissa is a hot chili sauce that is made of hot chili pepper, garlic, cumin, coriander, tomato, paprika, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.

What can harissa be used for?

Harissa can be used for a myriad of dishes as a condiment, ingredient or main protagonist. Making Harissa chicken is only one of the thousands ways of using Harissa.

How spicy hot is harissa?

Depends on how spicy we make it. Of course if we buy them ready-made then it’s up to the brand’s maker to decide its spiciness.