Mediterranean Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas

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

Roasted chicken thighs coated in smoky harissa spice, baked alongside tender chickpeas and vegetables for a one-pan Mediterranean meal. This mediterranean-inspired game day ready in about 55 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, harissa paste, (15 oz), drained and rinsed chickpeas 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp harissa paste, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs, 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1 large chopped red bell pepper, and 1 medium cut red onion wedges to the bowl. Toss everything until evenly coated with the harissa mixture.
  3. Step 3: Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and skin is crisp, and chickpeas are tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the top, and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Mediterranean Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas?

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 Mediterranean Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas?

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 Mediterranean Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas 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 Mediterranean Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas?

Mediterranean game day 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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