Harissa-Roasted Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs roasted with a spicy harissa marinade, paired with tender chickpeas and bright preserved lemon for a fragrant North African-inspired dish. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 65 minutes pairs harissa paste, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces in the spicy marinade. Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin side up on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes.
  3. Step 3: After 25 minutes, scatter 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas and thinly sliced rind of 1 preserved lemon around the chicken on the baking sheet. Roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until chicken skin is crispy and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F), and chickpeas are warmed and slightly toasted.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken and chickpeas. Serve warm with crusty bread or couscous.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Roasted Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Harissa-Roasted Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep harissa paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Roasted Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Harissa-Roasted Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Harissa-Roasted Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemon?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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