This Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken recipe is a flavorful, spicy dish that combines juicy chicken with the bold, aromatic taste of harissa paste. It’s a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Paired with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, this dish is both healthy and delicious.
What is Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken?
Jamie Oliver’s harissa chicken features tender, marinated chicken pieces coated in a rich harissa sauce, which is a North African chili paste with spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic. This dish brings out a beautiful depth of flavor from the harissa, which caramelizes as it roasts with the chicken, creating a spicy and smoky flavor. You can customize it by adding vegetables to roast alongside the chicken.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Packed with flavor: Harissa adds an incredible depth of taste.
- Versatile: Works with different cuts of chicken, including thighs, breasts, or wings.
- Healthy option: Harissa is low-calorie and adds tons of flavor without extra fat.
- Perfect for meal prep: Great for leftovers and easy to reheat.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): The bone and skin add extra flavor and keep the chicken juicy.
- 2 tbsp harissa paste: The main flavor component, adding spice and richness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps distribute the harissa and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced): Adds brightness and balances the harissa’s heat.
- Salt and pepper: Season the chicken.
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or coriander): For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 red onion (cut into wedges): Roasts alongside the chicken, adding sweetness.
- 1 bell pepper (sliced): Adds color and flavor.
- 1 zucchini (sliced): Roasts well with the chicken and soaks up the flavors.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: For marinating the chicken.
- Baking tray or ovenproof dish: For roasting the chicken and vegetables.
- Tongs: To handle the chicken and mix in the marinade.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
Step 2: Prepare the marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the harissa paste, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix well.
Step 3: Marinate the chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the harissa marinade. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes for more intense flavor, or you can marinate it overnight in the fridge if you have more time.
Step 4: Arrange the chicken and vegetables
Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking tray or in an ovenproof dish. If using optional vegetables like red onion, bell pepper, or zucchini, arrange them around the chicken. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the vegetables.
Step 5: Roast the chicken
Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, golden, and slightly crispy on the edges. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
Step 6: Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or coriander, and serve with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or couscous.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken
- Couscous: A light side that complements the spicy flavors of harissa.
- Rice pilaf: Adds a mild base to balance the spice.
- Roasted potatoes: Perfect for soaking up the harissa sauce.
- Greek yogurt: A dollop of yogurt helps cool down the spice.
- Mixed green salad: A fresh, crisp side for a balanced meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Marinate for more flavor: Marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight deepens the flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between the chicken and vegetables for even roasting.
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer less heat, use a mild harissa paste or reduce the amount.
- Use fresh lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken
- Harissa chicken skewers: Cut chicken into cubes, marinate, and grill on skewers for a BBQ-friendly version.
- Honey harissa chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a slightly sweet, sticky finish.
- Harissa chicken drumsticks: Use drumsticks instead of thighs for a fun, handheld option.
- Harissa chicken and chickpeas: Add a can of drained chickpeas to the baking tray for a hearty side.
- Creamy harissa chicken: Serve with a side of hummus or drizzle with tahini for a creamy element.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked harissa chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes or until heated through to maintain the texture.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken
- Oven: Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but be cautious as the chicken may dry out.
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat with a splash of water or stock to keep it moist.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken Healthier?
- Reduce oil: Use less olive oil in the marinade to reduce fat.
- Add more veggies: Incorporate extra vegetables for added fiber and nutrients.
- Serve with whole grains: Pair with quinoa, brown rice, or whole-grain couscous.
- Skip the skin: For a lower-fat option, use skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
- Use low-sodium harissa: Choose a low-sodium harissa paste to control the salt content.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
FAQs
What can I substitute for harissa paste in this recipe?
If you don’t have harissa paste, you can use a mixture of chili paste and smoked paprika or blend chili flakes, garlic, and olive oil to make a similar paste. Sriracha or peri-peri sauce can also work, though they will add a different flavor.
How long should I marinate harissa chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate harissa chicken for at least 15-30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for a few hours or overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken even more.
Can I make harissa chicken less spicy?
To make harissa chicken less spicy, use a mild harissa paste or reduce the amount of harissa in the marinade. Adding a little extra olive oil or lemon juice can also help mellow the spice.
Can I cook harissa chicken on the grill?
Yes, harissa chicken can be grilled instead of roasted. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked, for a smoky and flavorful finish.
Final Words
This Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the spice of harissa and the juiciness of roasted chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and sides. Serve with couscous, a crisp salad, or creamy yogurt for a balanced and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
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Jamie Oliver Harissa Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: North African
Description
Jamie Oliver’s harissa chicken features tender, marinated chicken pieces coated in a rich harissa sauce, which is a North African chili paste with spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic. This dish brings out a beautiful depth of flavor from the harissa, which caramelizes as it roasts with the chicken, creating a spicy and smoky flavor. You can customize it by adding vegetables to roast alongside the chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): The bone and skin add extra flavor and keep the chicken juicy.
- 2 tbsp harissa paste: The main flavor component, adding spice and richness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps distribute the harissa and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced): Adds brightness and balances the harissa’s heat.
- Salt and pepper: Season the chicken.
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or coriander): For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 red onion (cut into wedges): Roasts alongside the chicken, adding sweetness.
- 1 bell pepper (sliced): Adds color and flavor.
- 1 zucchini (sliced): Roasts well with the chicken and soaks up the flavors.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
Step 2: Prepare the marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the harissa paste, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix well.
Step 3: Marinate the chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the harissa marinade. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes for more intense flavor, or you can marinate it overnight in the fridge if you have more time.
Step 4: Arrange the chicken and vegetables
Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking tray or in an ovenproof dish. If using optional vegetables like red onion, bell pepper, or zucchini, arrange them around the chicken. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the vegetables.
Step 5: Roast the chicken
Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, golden, and slightly crispy on the edges. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
Step 6: Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or coriander, and serve with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or couscous.
