These Harissa Honey Chicken Bowls are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy! Juicy chicken glazed with a yummy blend of harissa and honey is served over fluffy rice or your favorite grains.
Getting that perfect balance of flavors is so satisfying! I love topping mine with fresh veggies and a sprinkle of herbs to make it extra fresh. You won’t want to miss this one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Harissa Paste: This spicy, North African chili paste brings a great kick! If you can’t find harissa, you can substitute with Sriracha or similar hot sauces, but adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps in caramelizing the chicken. If you’re vegan or don’t have honey, agave syrup or maple syrup works well, giving a similar flavor profile.
Olive Oil: A staple in many kitchens, olive oil enhances flavor and helps with cooking. You can use vegetable oil or avocado oil in a pinch, but they may alter the taste slightly.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings creaminess and tang. For a dairy-free option, try using almond-based feta or skip it altogether for a lighter dish.
Quinoa or Rice: Both are excellent bases for this recipe. If you’re looking for grain alternatives, consider using couscous, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken so that it’s juicy and flavorful can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes; more time intensifies the flavors.
- Preheat your skillet to medium-high heat. A hot skillet helps achieve a nice sear.
- Cook the chicken in one layer without overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking.
- Check the chicken at 7 minutes for doneness; it should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy too! Enjoy your delicious bowls!
How to Make Harissa Honey Chicken Bowls?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup fresh spinach or mixed greens
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup hummus
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., parsley or cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 25 minutes to prepare, including a quick marinade time for the chicken. If you let the chicken marinate for up to 2 hours, it’ll boost the flavor even more! So, plan accordingly and get ready to savor some tasty Harissa Honey Chicken Bowls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely blended. Now, add the diced chicken and mix it all around until the chicken is fully coated in that flavorful marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or if you have the time, pop it in the fridge and let it sit for up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked. You’ll know it’s done when it’s no longer pink in the middle!
3. Preparing the Bowls:
While the chicken is cooking, let’s build our beautiful bowls! Start by adding a generous scoop of cooked quinoa or rice to the bottom of each bowl.
4. Adding Fresh Veggies:
On top of your grain base, layer in some fresh spinach or mixed greens, followed by the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Don’t forget to sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top for that creamy, tangy flavor!
5. Placing the Chicken:
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, scoop it right on top of all those lovely vegetables in each bowl. Look at those colors!
6. Final Touches:
Add a delightful dollop of hummus and, if you like, a drizzle of tzatziki sauce on the side of each bowl for extra creaminess and flavor. It’s optional, but we highly recommend it!
7. Garnishing and Serving:
To make your bowls pop, garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately while everything is still warm, and enjoy your delicious Harissa Honey Chicken Bowls! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Other Proteins Besides Chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other meats like diced pork or lamb. You can even try it with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; for tofu, sauté until golden, while chickpeas can be added directly to the marinade and cooked until heated through.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 15 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2 hours. If you have more time, marinating overnight in the refrigerator is even better! Just remember to keep it covered.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and grain base in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and grains, then assemble your bowls with fresh veggies and toppings.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the dressing and toppings separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave before serving to warm it through.
