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

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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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does 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 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 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 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 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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