In recent years, harissa honey chicken has become more and more popular. It combines the spicy smell of harissa with the sweetness of honey to make a delicious balance of flavors. But what is harissa honey chicken, and why is it so popular? This article will tell you everything you need to know about this recipe that everyone loves.
What is Harissa?
First, let’s start with harissa itself. Harissa is a thick, spicy chili paste that originated in North Africa particularly Tunisia. It’s a staple ingredient in Maghrebi cuisine. The main ingredients in harissa are hot chili peppers, garlic, olive oil spices like coriander, caraway, and cumin, and sometimes tomatoes. It often has a deep red color and a smoky, aromatic flavor.
Different kinds of chili peppers are sometimes used in harissa. Serrano, cayenne, Aleppo, and New Mexico chilies are some of the most common ones. This affects the final heat level and flavor profile. Harissa can range from moderately spicy to fiery hot. Rose petals, mint, or lemon juice are sometimes added to some versions to make them more interesting.
The Sweet Factor: Honey
In harissa chicken recipes, honey goes well with the heat of the harissa. The heat of the chilies is balanced by the sweetness of the honey. You can subtly change the taste by using different types of honey. For example, wildflower or clover honey adds a mild sweetness that lets the harissa shine, while buckwheat or chestnut honey has a stronger flavor.
The interplay between sweet and spicy is what makes harissa chicken so addictive!
Chicken – The Canvas
Chicken is the base on which the harissa and honey do their magic. Chicken thighs without bones are often used because they stay juicy when cooked. You can also use bone-in chicken pieces or even breasts. As it cooks, the chicken soaks up all the great flavors.
Preparing Harissa Honey Chicken
While recipes can vary there are some key steps in making harissa chicken
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Marinating the chicken: This infuses flavor and tenderizes the meat. Mix harissa, honey, oil, garlic, spices, and optional lemon juice to create the marinade. Let chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight.
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Cooking method: Popular cooking methods include baking, grilling, pan-searing, or broiling. Baking crisps up the exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. Grilling adds delicious charred bits and smoky flavor.
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Glazing: During the last few minutes of cooking, generously brush the chicken with more harissa-honey mixture to form a sticky, caramelized glaze.
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Serving suggestions: Harissa chicken pairs well with couscous, rice, roasted veggies, yogurt sauce, and fresh salads.
Harissa Honey Chicken Around the World
While harissa originated in North Africa, chicken dishes using harissa and honey have become popular worldwide:
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The dish is a menu item at CAVA, a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain in the US. Their famous harissa honey chicken is moist and full of flavor.
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Harissa chicken is ubiquitous in Middle Eastern cuisine, where harissa chili paste is a pantry staple. Recipes combine harissa with poultry, lamb, fish and more.
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Chefs have put a global fusion twist on it – using Southeast Asian flavors like ginger, lemongrass, and soy or Indian spices like garam masala.
No matter where you enjoy it, harissa chicken never fails to satisfy!
Making Harissa Honey Chicken at Home
Recreating harissa honey chicken at home is easy. Here are some tips:
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Use store-bought harissa or make your own if you want to control the heat level and flavors.
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Let the chicken marinate for as long as possible – overnight is best, but at least 30 minutes to an hour.
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Bake or grill the chicken over direct medium-high heat until completely cooked through and glazed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F internally.
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When glazing, watch carefully at the end to avoid burning the honey. Lower heat if needed.
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Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve with rice or couscous and a cooling yogurt sauce.
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Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Why People Love Harissa Honey Chicken
What makes this recipe so popular? Here are some of the highlights:
Balanced flavors – The sweet and spicy create perfect harmony. The honey tames the chili heat.
Aromatic – Harissa’s blend of smoky, garlicky, citrusy notes is irresistible.
Addictive glaze – The glistening honey-harissa coating is delicious.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and hands-off cooking method.
Versatile – Works with different cuts of chicken. Also great on shrimp or lamb.
Global appeal – Fusion of North African harissa with universal flavors like honey and garlic.
So next time you’re looking for a chicken dish that will wow your tastebuds, give harissa honey chicken a try! The unique blend of sweet, spicy, and savory will have you going back for more.
What ingredients do you need for this dish (includes possible substitutions)?
One of my favorite ways to eat chicken is with skin that doesn’t have any bones on it. The skin gets crispy, and the chicken cooks quickly.
Cornflour: makes the chicken skin extra crispy.
Harissa: harissa is a red chilli paste thatâs flavoured with different spices and garlic (amongst other things!). It’s one of my favorite things to keep on hand because it makes food taste better with little work.
Butter: adds a richness to the sauce.
Honey: balances the spiciness of the harissa.
What to serve this with?
This is delicious with rice, or cous cous. It would also be great with some garlic yoghurt and a side of vegetables too.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper then coat in the cornflour.
Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat then add the chicken thigh skin down. Cook until golden then flip and fry until fully cooked, it should take about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Discard the oil.
Meal prep…but EASY, AFFORDABLE, and DELICIOUS
FAQ
Is harissa honey chicken spicy cava?
Yes, Cava’s Harissa Honey Chicken is spicy. It features a marinade of harissa paste and honey, creating a sweet and spicy flavor profile. The harissa adds a distinct heat, while the honey balances it with sweetness, according to a food blogger.
What is harissa made of?
This North African chili paste is called harissa. It is usually made with garlic, olive oil, dried chilies, and spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway.
What is the harissa honey chicken?
When you rub these chicken thighs in harissa paste and honey, they become a spicy-sweet treat that is sure to please. Adjust the amount of harissa paste to suit your spice preference.
What does harissa honey taste like?
This addictive harissa honey sauce has just enough heat to liven up every bite but sweet and sour enough to keep you coming back for more without your mouth going on fire (unless you want it to).