Harissa Orange Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Harissa Orange Chicken Thighs recipe offers a flavorful twist on classic roasted chicken by combining the spicy heat of harissa paste with the bright citrus notes of fresh orange. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are marinated with a vibrant blend of harissa, honey, olive oil, orange zest, and juice, then roasted to perfection for a deliciously balanced and aromatic main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 to 35 minutes
- Total Time: 35 to 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: North African / Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1/2 medium navel orange (zest and juice)
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Orange Zest and Juice: Finely grate the zest from half of a medium navel orange into a medium bowl. Then, juice the orange and pour about 1/4 cup of the juice into an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- Make Harissa Marinade: Add 3 tablespoons of harissa paste, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the bowl with the orange zest. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Marinate Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Gently loosen and pull the skin away from the meat without removing it. Place the thighs into the bowl with the harissa marinade and rub the mixture thoroughly all over the chicken, including underneath the skin. Transfer the thighs skin-side up to the baking dish with the orange juice. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature while you preheat the oven.
- Preheat Oven: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 425°F (220°C).
- Roast the Chicken: Roast the chicken thighs in the baking dish for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the skin is lightly browned and crispy, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers at least 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Optionally, garnish the roasted chicken thighs with fresh cilantro leaves before serving to add a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor.
Notes
- For even cooking, allow the chicken to come close to room temperature during the marinating step.
- Adjust the amount of harissa paste if you prefer a milder or spicier flavor.
- Chicken thighs can be slightly varied in size; ensure to check internal temperature rather than relying solely on time.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/harissa-orange-chicken-thighs-recipe/
