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Flavorful Harissa Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Spicy Glaze

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Juicy, crispy chicken thighs roasted with a bold and sticky harissa glaze that balances smoky heat and sweetness. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg)
  • 3 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together harissa paste, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until thick but spreadable.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  4. Lightly season both sides of each thigh with salt and pepper. Arrange them skin side up in a baking dish, spaced evenly.
  5. Spread the harissa glaze generously over each thigh, coating the skin well.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Halfway through (around 20 minutes), baste the thighs with any glaze pooled in the pan.
  7. Check doneness when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is caramelized and crispy. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for extra char, watching closely.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispy skin. Baste halfway through roasting to keep glaze sticky. Optionally marinate chicken in half the glaze for 30 minutes before roasting for extra depth. Adjust harissa quantity to control spice level. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best flavor and moisture retention. Rest chicken after roasting to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: harissa chicken, roasted chicken thighs, spicy glaze, easy dinner, harissa paste, honey glaze, smoky chicken, quick chicken recipe