Savory Harissa Chicken with Crispy Bacon Bits

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy chicken thighs seared with smoky harissa and topped with golden bacon and melted feta for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired keto (high-protein, low-carb) ready in about 27 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, harissa paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute). Add chicken skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and skin is crisp. Flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken to a plate. Add 1 tbsp harissa paste and 1/4 tsp garlic powder to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return chicken to skillet and cook for 1 minute to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, cook 3 strips bacon in a separate pan over medium heat until crisp (3-4 minutes). Crumble bacon and sprinkle over chicken. Top with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, letting it melt slightly from the residual heat.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Harissa Chicken with Crispy Bacon Bits take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Savory Harissa Chicken with Crispy Bacon Bits?

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 Savory Harissa Chicken with Crispy Bacon Bits?

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 Savory Harissa Chicken with Crispy Bacon Bits 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.

Is Savory Harissa Chicken with Crispy Bacon Bits 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes