Harissa-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes

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

Crispy oven-baked chicken thighs with North African harissa spice, roasted sweet potatoes, and a touch of honey for balance. This north african-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, harissa paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 490 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 2 North African cuisine 490 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place 12 oz peeled and cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and spread in a single layer.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub 1 tbsp of the harissa mixture evenly over both sides of each thigh.
  4. Step 4: Place chicken thighs on top of sweet potatoes on the baking sheet. Brush remaining harissa mixture over chicken skin.
  5. Step 5: Roast for 35 minutes, turning sweet potatoes once halfway, until chicken skin is crispy and golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Discard excess fat from pan and serve chicken with sweet potatoes and pan juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 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-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes?

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-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes?

North African 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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