What else could you ask for? A flavor-packed dish with juicy harissa-spiced chicken, roasted vegetables, and a creamy yogurt sauce—all made in one pan with minimal effort. This is my kind of cooking!
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 50 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
One-pan harissa Chicken is a bold, smoky, and flavor-packed dish that’s as easy as it is delicious! Juicy, spiced chicken roasts alongside colorful vegetables, all infused with the warm heat of harissa paste, making this the perfect one-pan meal for busy nights.
You can use any cut of chicken you have on hand—just adjust the cooking time accordingly. The same goes for the vegetables—bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, or carrots all work beautifully.
The key to the best flavor? Marinate the chicken and vegetables separately before roasting to ensure every bite is infused with Harissa’s warm, smoky heat. Once prepped, everything goes into one pan and the oven for a hands-off, flavor-packed meal. Serve it with a cooling yogurt sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal – Easy prep and cleanup!
- Bold Mediterranean flavors – Harissa adds smoky heat, balanced by a creamy yogurt sauce.
- Versatile – Works with any cut of chicken and a variety of vegetables.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
- Effortless Yet Impressive – Simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to wow guests.
What Is Harissa? Everything You Need to Know
On a recent trip to Morocco, I was drawn to the market stalls filled with buckets of deep red, homemade harissa—a staple in North African cuisine. This spicy, smoky chili paste is made from red chilies, garlic, olive oil, and warm spices like cumin and coriander. It’s widely used in marinades, stews, and dips, adding bold, complex flavors to any dish.
In this One-Pan Harissa Chicken, harissa is the star ingredient, infusing both the chicken and vegetables with its signature heat and depth.
What does harissa taste like?
Harissa has a rich, smoky, slightly tangy, and spicy flavor profile. The chilies bring heat, while garlic, spices, and olive oil add depth and complexity.
Is Harissa very spicy?
It depends on the type of harissa! Some brands and homemade versions are mild, while others pack a serious kick. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can adjust the spice by adding less harissa or pairing it with a cooling yogurt sauce.
Can I use harissa powder instead of paste?
Yes! If you don’t have harissa paste, you can make a quick substitute using harissa powder:
Mix one tablespoon of harissa powder with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to create a paste-like consistency.
Pro Tip: Store-bought harissa paste varies in spice levels, so taste and adjust before adding too much to your dish!
Ingredients for Harris Chicken Recipe
For the Chicken & Vegetables:
- Whole Chicken (Spatchcocked or Cut Into Pieces) – The star of the dish, absorbing all the bold harissa flavors. You can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks.
- Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Orange) – Add natural sweetness, color, and a slight char when roasted.
- Eggplant – becomes tender and creamy, soaking up the harissa and spices beautifully.
- Harissa Paste – The key ingredient that brings smoky heat, depth, and bold North African flavors.
- Olive Oil – Helps the harissa coat the chicken and veggies while adding richness.
- Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and balances the spice with a fresh citrusy kick.
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- Greek Yogurt – Cooling and creamy, the perfect contrast to the spicy harissa.
- Lemon Juice – Adds freshness and a little tang to the sauce.
- Garlic – gives the sauce a bold, aromatic kick.
- Olive Oil – Adds silkiness and enhances the richness of the sauce.
- Fresh Mint or Parsley – Brings a pop of freshness and herbal flavor.
Spices & Garnishes:
- Smoked Paprika & Ground Cumin – Enhance the smoky, earthy flavors of the dish.
- Honey (Optional) – Balances out the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (for Garnish) – A vibrant finishing touch.
What to Serve with Harissa Chicken
This Harissa Chicken is packed with bold, smoky flavors, so I love pairing it with sides that balance the heat. A simple bowl of fluffy couscous, basmati rice, or warm pita bread works perfectly to soak up all the delicious juices. For something refreshing, serve it with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or a classic Mediterranean chickpea salad. And don’t forget the cooling yogurt sauce—it adds a creamy contrast that complements the spice beautifully. However you serve it, this dish is guaranteed to be a showstopper!
How to Store and Reheat Harissa Chicken
The leftovers store is beautiful, making this a great meal prep option! Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken juicy. You can also reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. If you have extra yogurt sauce, store it separately and stir it before serving!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try
If you love this One-Pan Harissa Chicken, you’ll love these fan-favorite Mediterranean chicken recipes! Each one is packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, making them perfect for any meal.
- Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast: Juicy chicken breasts filled with spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful, protein-packed meal
- One-Pan Greek Lemon Chicken: This zesty, lemon-infused dish features tender chicken and roasted potatoes baked in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Mediterranean Grilled Whole Chicken – A perfectly seasoned, slow-grilled whole chicken that’s juicy inside and crispy outside—ideal for a family feast!
- Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Kebab – Tender, marinated chicken skewers packed with warm Mediterranean spices and grilled to perfection.
Preparation
Prepare the Harissa Marinade:
Marinate the Chicken:
Toss the eggplant and bell peppers with any remaining marinade in a separate bowl.
Cover the chicken and vegetables and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Roast the Chicken & Vegetables:
Arrange the chicken, skin-side up, on a large baking sheet or roasting pan, then scatter the marinated bell peppers and eggplant around it in a single layer.
Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 50-60 minutes, until the chicken is golden, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part. Stir the vegetables once or twice during roasting to ensure even cooking.
.Make the Yogurt Sauce:
Serve:
This One-Pan Harissa Chicken is packed with bold, smoky flavors, roasted vegetables, and a creamy yogurt sauce. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal!
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 50 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Vegetables:
| 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs), spatchcocked (or cut into pieces) | |
| 3 bell peppers, sliced into thick strips (use a mix of red, yellow, and orange for color) | |
| 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1-inch chunks | |
| 3 tablespoons harissa paste | |
| 3 tablespoons olive oil | |
| 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon) | |
| 3 garlic cloves, minced | |
| 1 teaspoon smoked paprika | |
| 1 teaspoon ground cumin | |
| 1 teaspoon honey (optional, to balance the heat) | |
| Salt and black pepper, to taste | |
| 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro,for garnish. |
For the Yogurt Sauce:
| 1 cup Greek yogurt | |
| 1 tablespoon lemon juice | |
| 1 garlic clove, finely minced | |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 | |
| tablespoons fresh mint or parsley, finely chopped | |
| Salt and black pepper, to taste |
Preparation
In a small bowl, whisk together harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Rub the whole chicken (inside and out, or under the skin if spatchcocked) generously with the harissa marinade. Toss the eggplant and bell peppers with any remaining marinade in a separate bowl. Cover the chicken and vegetables and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken, skin-side up, on a large baking sheet or roasting pan, then scatter the marinated bell peppers and eggplant around it in a single layer. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 50-60 minutes, until the chicken is golden, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part. Stir the vegetables once or twice during roasting to ensure even cooking.
While the chicken is roasting, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and chopped mint or parsley in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Transfer the roasted chicken to a serving platter and arrange the roasted vegetables around it. Drizzle a bit of the yogurt sauce over the top for extra creaminess, and serve the rest on the side. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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