– **Title**: Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
– 2 tablespoons harissa paste
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, mix together harissa paste, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
3. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are thoroughly cooked and have nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
6. In serving bowls, layer cooked quinoa or couscous with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and feta cheese.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
8. Enjoy your Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless thighs are a great choice for juicy, flavorful meat. If you prefer, chicken breasts work too, but they may dry out faster. Thighs just have that extra tenderness!
Harissa Paste: This spicy blend of chili peppers is essential for flavor. If you can’t find harissa, you can use a combination of chili powder and a bit of olive oil. A splash of sriracha can also add that kick!
Honey: Honey balances out the spice of harissa. In a pinch, maple syrup or agave nectar can serve as substitutes—they also add a nice sweetness.
Rice: White rice gives a traditional touch, but brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more nutrients. Quinoa works as a great gluten-free alternative and gives extra protein!
Vegetables: Cucumber and cherry tomatoes add freshness. Feel free to swap in bell peppers or radishes for a different crunch!
How Can You Make Sure Your Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken can be tricky, but with some attention, you’ll master it! First, marinate the chicken. Allowing it to soak up flavors helps keep it moist. Make sure the marinade covers all pieces well.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This helps to create a nice char.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a good crispy exterior while ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest before slicing! This step allows juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken juicy.
Remember, every stovetop or grill varies, so keep an eye on your chicken as it cooks. Enjoy your cooking journey!
How to Make Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup hummus
- Pita bread, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. If you choose to marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours, that will add to the total time but will enhance the flavor. In short, budget around 45 minutes to 2 hours for maximum taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This flavorful marinade will give your chicken a delightful kick.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked and nicely charred. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into pieces.
4. Prep the Vegetables:
While the chicken is resting, chop up your veggies! Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion. This will add fresh crunch to your bowls.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
In serving bowls, start with a layer of cooked rice as your base. Then add the sliced chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
6. Add Toppings:
Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and a nice dollop of hummus. These toppings add creaminess and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls with warm pita bread on the side, and don’t forget lemon wedges for a zesty squeeze on top. Enjoy your delicious meal warm!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts or even drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—breasts cook faster, around 5-6 minutes per side, while drumsticks may take about 10-12 minutes each side, depending on size.
What Can I Substitute for Harissa Paste?
If you can’t find harissa paste, a mix of red pepper flakes, cumin, and a touch of garlic can create a similar spicy flavor. Alternatively, you can use sriracha or another hot sauce, but adjust the quantity to taste as these can vary in heat!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave and freshen up the veggies if needed. The flavors blend nicely and may taste even better the next day!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in the fridge. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes. You can also prepare the veggies ahead of time—just store them in separate containers to keep them fresh until serving!
