– **Title**: Harissa Honey Chicken Bowls
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
– 2 tbsp harissa paste
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
– 1 cup roasted or sautéed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, combine the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor).
3. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare your cooked brown rice or quinoa and sauté or roast your vegetables until tender.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
6. To assemble the bowls, start with a base of brown rice or quinoa, top with sliced chicken, roasted vegetables, and cherry tomatoes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Harissa Honey Chicken Bowls!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Harissa Paste: This spicy paste is essential for flavor. If you can’t find it, try using sriracha or a mix of red pepper flakes with a bit of tomato paste for a similar kick. Just remember, harissa can vary in heat level, so adjust according to your taste!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish, but chicken thighs work too! They’re juicy and a bit more forgiving if slightly overcooked. You can also substitute tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
Honey: This ingredient adds sweetness that balances the spicy harissa. If you’re vegan or avoiding sugar, use maple syrup or agave nectar as a perfect alternative.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice salty bite to the bowl. If you want a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast. Goat cheese can also be a delicious substitute if you enjoy that flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Well-Cooked?
The key to juicy chicken is in the marinating and cooking process. Marinating allows the flavors to soak in and keeps the meat tender. Always refrigerate during this time to keep it safe!
- Mix harissa, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper well before adding to chicken.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is best for strong flavor.
- When cooking, use medium-high heat. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, but always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Delicious Harissa Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad Bowl:
- 4 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup tahini or hummus
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., parsley or cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, assembling the bowls will take just another 10 minutes. So, set aside about 50 minutes to 2 hours total time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade for the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a bowl or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, then toss everything around to coat the chicken evenly. Cover it up or seal the bag, and pop it in the fridge to marinate. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is even better for extra flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it up.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
In a large bowl, layer the fresh spinach or mixed greens as your base. Top this with the cooked quinoa or rice, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion to create a colorful salad.
5. Add the Chicken and Toppings:
Now, arrange the sliced chicken on top of your salad base. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over it all. Add a generous dollop of tahini or hummus and a bit of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and feel free to add other favorites like olives or avocado. If you like, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil or squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top for added flavor. Serve it up immediately and enjoy your tasty Harissa Honey Chicken Bowls!
Can I Use Another Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Similarly, you can use skin-on chicken for added flavor but be sure to monitor the cooking time!
What If I Don’t Have Harissa Paste?
If you don’t have harissa paste, you can use a mix of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a dash of cumin for some heat. Alternatively, store-bought chili paste works too, but you might want to adjust the honey ratio for sweetness depending on the heat level!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep things fresh, it’s best to store the chicken separately from the salad ingredients to maintain their textures. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on a skillet to preserve the flavor.
Can I Make This Bowl Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu marinated with the same harissa and honey mix (using maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option). You can also replace the feta with a vegan cheese option or simply omit it. The tahini and yogurt can also be replaced with coconut yogurt for a plant-based twist!
