If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and colorful dinner, this Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken is exactly what you need. The chicken is marinated in a blend of harissa paste, olive oil, and spices, giving it a smoky and spicy kick. Roasting the chicken alongside fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes adds layers of flavor and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, the dish is ready in just under an hour!
This dish is a great option for anyone who loves bold flavors without the hassle of complicated cooking. The combination of tender chicken and roasted vegetables makes for a balanced, satisfying meal. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less harissa, so it’s customizable to your taste. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this meal is sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1 tablespoon harissa paste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 red onion, sliced
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2 bell peppers, sliced
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a small bowl, combine the harissa paste, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
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Rub the marinade over the chicken thighs and let it sit for 10 minutes.
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On a large sheet pan, arrange the sliced onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
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Drizzle the vegetables with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Place the marinated chicken thighs on the sheet pan with the vegetables.
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Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken Dinner: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal
If you’re in search of a meal that’s not only simple but also bursting with flavor, this Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken Dinner will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s the perfect balance of a bold, spicy marinade, roasted vegetables, and tender chicken thighs—plus, it’s all made in one sheet pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and ease of preparation.
What Makes This Recipe So Special?
This recipe is the definition of convenience. It combines the bold, smoky heat of harissa with the tender, juicy texture of chicken thighs. By cooking everything on a single sheet pan, you get a complete, hassle-free dinner with minimal prep and cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. With a cooking time of just around 40 minutes, you’ll be enjoying a hearty meal without the fuss.
The beauty of the Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken is in its versatility. While the marinade is made with harissa paste, olive oil, and spices, you can always adjust the level of heat to your liking. Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer a milder version, this recipe can be tailored to fit your tastes. Plus, the roasted vegetables—typically bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes—add a fresh, natural sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the spicy chicken.
Understanding Harissa: The Heart of the Dish
Harissa paste is a traditional North African condiment made from roasted red peppers, garlic, and various spices, such as cumin, coriander, and caraway. It’s known for its smoky flavor and the heat it brings to dishes, making it a popular addition to many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes.
In this recipe, the harissa acts as the perfect marinade for the chicken, infusing it with deep, smoky heat. The paste itself has a unique complexity, offering a richness that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables. You can adjust the spice level by adding more harissa for an extra kick or opting for a milder version if you’re sensitive to heat.
Why Choose a Sheet Pan Dinner?
Sheet pan dinners are a game-changer when it comes to cooking—especially for busy individuals or families. The idea is simple: prep your ingredients, place them on a baking sheet, and roast them in the oven. Not only does this method minimize the amount of cooking equipment you need, but it also ensures that all the ingredients cook together, absorbing flavors from each other. The result is a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but in reality, it’s a relatively hands-off meal.
In the case of this Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken, the chicken thighs are coated in a flavorful harissa marinade, then roasted alongside vegetables. This ensures that everything gets a chance to soak up the spices and cook to perfection. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the vegetables become slightly caramelized, adding an additional layer of flavor to the meal.
Customizing the Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken Dinner
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your pantry. If you don’t have zucchini or bell peppers, you can use sweet potatoes, carrots, or even cauliflower—just about any vegetable will work. This makes it easy to enjoy the recipe year-round, no matter what’s available in your local market.
Additionally, if you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts or even drumsticks. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut of chicken you choose. For a vegetarian version, consider replacing the chicken with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplant, which will also soak up the delicious harissa marinade.
Health Benefits of This Dish
The Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken Dinner isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients. Chicken thighs provide a good source of protein and healthy fats, while the vegetables offer a range of vitamins and minerals. The bell peppers, for example, are loaded with vitamin C, which supports the immune system, while zucchini is a great source of fiber and antioxidants.
The harissa paste is made with chili peppers, which contain capsaicin—a compound that has been linked to boosting metabolism and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Together, this meal offers a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded option for anyone looking to eat clean and healthy.
Serving Suggestions
This Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken is great on its own, but you can elevate it even further by pairing it with some tasty sides. If you’re looking for something light, serve it with a fresh green salad dressed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will balance the richness of the chicken and vegetables, providing a refreshing contrast.
If you want something heartier, consider serving the chicken with couscous or quinoa. These grains absorb the flavors of the marinade, making them the perfect accompaniment to the spicy chicken and roasted veggies. Warm pita bread or a side of rice also works beautifully to soak up the juices from the roasted chicken.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
This Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken makes for excellent leftovers, so it’s a great option for meal prepping. You can store the chicken and vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dish reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop, making it a quick and easy option for lunch or dinner the next day.
If you’re looking to make this meal in advance, you can also marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetables the night before. Just keep everything in the fridge overnight, and when you’re ready to cook, all you’ll need to do is pop it in the oven. It’s an easy way to cut down on cooking time, especially when you’re preparing meals for a busy week ahead.
Conclusion: A Simple Yet Flavorful Dinner
This Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken Dinner is the epitome of a stress-free, flavor-packed meal. With its one-pan cooking method and customizable ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re entertaining guests. The combination of tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and the smoky heat of harissa makes for a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone just starting to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try. It’s quick, healthy, and full of flavor, proving that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours of preparation to create a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive.
By using versatile ingredients and a simple cooking method, this Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken Dinner is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So, the next time you’re looking for a meal that’s flavorful, easy to make, and quick to clean up, this recipe should be at the top of your list. Enjoy!
