Baked Harissa Chicken (with couscous!) is savory, sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of spice. Dizzle over the creamy homemade yogurt dressing and fresh herbs. Baked harrissa chicken served on a couscous salad that's perfect for a mid-week meal or serving to friends.

P.S. You will love my crispy rice and chicken salad next time!

Be sure to check out the video and tips below.

This harissa chicken dish is one of those “oh wow, I made this?!” kind of meals ❤️👆🏼

Jump to:

• 🎥 MY LATEST VIDEO
• 😋 WHAT KIND OF FLAVOR IS HARISSA?
• 🔥 IS HARISSA SPICY?
• 🌶️ WHAT IS HARISSA MADE FROM?
• 💸 WHY IS IT BUDGET-FRIENDLY?
• 🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED
• 👩🏼‍🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
• 🥄 Serving Ideas
• ❓FAQS
• CHICKEN RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME

🎥 MY LATEST VIDEO

😋 WHAT KIND OF FLAVOR IS HARISSA?

• Harissa has a smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor with hints of garlic, chili, and warm spices like cumin and coriander.

🔥 IS HARISSA SPICY?

• Harissa usually lands around a 5 to 7 out of 10 on the spice scale. It has a noticeable kick, but it's more smoky and flavorful than burn-your-mouth hot.

🌶️ WHAT IS HARISSA MADE FROM?

• Harissa is made from a blend of dried or roasted red chilies, garlic, olive oil, and warm spices like cumin, caraway, and coriander. Some versions also include tomato paste, vinegar, or lemon juice for extra tang.

💸 WHY IS IT BUDGET-FRIENDLY?

• Pantry staples like couscous, canned chickpeas, dried fruit, and carrots keep costs low.

• Chicken breasts are lean, affordable, and feed a crowd.

• One batch = multiple servings (hellooo, leftovers!).

🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method

For the Harissa Chicken:

• 3 tablespoons harissa paste
• 150g natural yogurt
• 4 chicken breasts
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Couscous Salad:

• 200g couscous
• 350ml hot chicken stock
• 50g sliced dried apricots
• 50g sultanas
• 410g can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 carrots, grated
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

👩🏼‍🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method

1. Marinate the Chicken

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• In a bowl, mix the harissa paste and natural yogurt together.
• Place ¾ of the yogurt mixture into an ovenproof dish.
• Add the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
• Let marinate for 15 minutes (or longer if you have time).

2. Bake It

• Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on top.

3. Make the Couscous Salad

• In a large bowl, add the couscous, apricots, and sultanas.
• Pour over the hot chicken stock, cover the bowl, and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Fluff with a fork, then season well with salt and pepper.
• Stir in the chickpeas, grated carrots, parsley, and mint.

4. Assemble the Salad

• Slice the harissa chicken and place it on top of the couscous salad.
• Drizzle with the remaining yogurt dressing.
• Garnish with extra herbs or a lemon wedge if you're feeling fancy.

🥄 Serving Ideas

• Swap couscous for quinoa, brown rice, pasta, or orzo.
• Wrap leftovers in a tortilla for a next-day quesadilla.
• Serve cold for lunch or warm for dinner.

❓FAQS

CHICKEN RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME

• BANG BANG CHICKEN SKEWERS

• SHREDDED CHICKEN AND BBQ SAUCE

• SHRIMP AND CHICKEN FRIED RICE (BEST FAKEAWAY!)

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚

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