Harissa-Smoked Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemons
A North African-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a smoky harissa glaze, served with creamy chickpeas and tangy preserved lemons. This middle eastern-inspired one pot (high protein, low carb) ready in about 65 minutes pairs (about 1.5 lbs) chicken thighs, harissa paste, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (about 1.5 lbs) chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 cups (canned, drained) chickpeas
- 2 preserved lemons
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken thighs with 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp cumin for 30 seconds. Add 3 tbsp harissa paste, 1/2 cup water, 2 chopped tomatoes, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, then add chicken back to the skillet. Cover and transfer to oven. Braise for 25-30 minutes until chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mash 1.5 cups chickpeas with 2 tablespoons olive oil, juice of 1 preserved lemon, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir into the chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped preserved lemon rind and fresh parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa-Smoked Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemons take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 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-Smoked Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemons?
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-Smoked Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemons?
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-Smoked Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemons 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.
Is Harissa-Smoked Chicken with Chickpeas and Preserved Lemons high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
