Harissa honey chicken is a delicious dish that combines the bold flavors of harissa, a North African chili paste, with the sweetness of honey. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1 TSP red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix together the harissa paste, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, red chili flakes and pepper. This will be your marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place it on the grill. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and nicely charred on the outside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.
- Garnish the harissa honey chicken with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve it hot with your favorite side dishes, such as couscous, rice, or grilled vegetables.