One-Pan Harissa Chicken with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach
Tender chicken thighs roasted with spicy harissa and hearty chickpeas, finished with fresh spinach for a vibrant, healthy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, harissa paste, baby spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp harissa paste, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, tossing until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up with chickpeas spread around them on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes until the chicken skin is crisp and juices run clear.
- Step 3: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately scatter 4 cups baby spinach over the hot chickpeas and chicken. Let sit for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts, then serve straight from the pan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Harissa Chicken with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 One-Pan Harissa Chicken with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach?
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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Harissa Chicken with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach?
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 One-Pan Harissa Chicken with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach 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 One-Pan Harissa Chicken with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Roasted chickpeas were amazing! Will make this again and again.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a healthy, one-pan meal that didn't sacrifice taste.
- ★★★★★
My husband and kids devoured this. The chickpeas added the perfect crunch.