Harissa-Spiced Roasted Chicken Thighs

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

Chicken thighs glazed with smoky harissa and honey, roasted until golden and tender. This north african-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, harissa paste, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 North African cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat 2 lbs chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp olive oil until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Rub the harissa mixture evenly over all chicken thighs, coating each piece thoroughly.
  4. Step 4: Place chicken skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet; roast for 35-40 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Harissa-Spiced Roasted Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 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-Spiced Roasted Chicken Thighs?

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-Spiced Roasted Chicken Thighs?

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 Roasted Chicken Thighs 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-Spiced Roasted Chicken Thighs gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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