Introduction
What if you could place a dish on your dinner table tonight that tastes like it came from a top Moroccan restaurant, yet took you less than 30 minutes to prepare in a single pan? It sounds almost too good to be true, especially on a hectic weeknight. We often fall into the trap of believing that deep, complex flavor requires hours of simmering or a mountain of dishes. But I’m here to challenge that belief. The secret to unlocking this culinary magic lies in a vibrant North African chili paste called harissa. This is where my recipe for Harissa Orange Chicken comes in, a complete game changer for anyone seeking a quick, flavorful escape. I still remember the first time I tasted real harissa; it was a revelation of smoky, spicy, and tangy notes that I knew I had to bring into my own kitchen. The challenge was taming its fiery kick just enough to make it a dish my whole family, including my two kids, would devour. After many trials, I found the perfect balance by pairing it with the natural sweetness of fresh orange juice. This isn’t just another chicken dinner; it’s an experience. It’s the aroma of sizzling spices filling your home, the sight of a vibrant, glossy sauce clinging to perfectly tender chicken, and the joy of a truly satisfying meal without the stress. This One Pan Moroccan Chicken recipe is the embodiment of what we do here at Mister Recipes: creating ridiculously delicious food that brings people together and makes everyday meals feel like a special occasion. It has become a staple in our home, and I am so excited to share it with yours.
Why You’ll Love This Harissa Orange Chicken
- A Symphony of Flavor in Every Bite: The real star of this dish is the sauce. It’s an incredible balance of spicy, sweet, savory, and zesty that will make your taste buds sing. The harissa paste brings a deep, smoky heat that is beautifully tamed and complemented by the bright, citrusy sweetness of fresh orange juice and a hint of honey. Warm Moroccan spices like cumin and coriander add an earthy depth, creating a truly aromatic and complex flavor profile that you would expect from a dish that has been simmering for hours. The sauce reduces into a beautiful glaze that coats each piece of juicy chicken, ensuring every mouthful is packed with this bold flavor. It’s an exciting departure from the usual weeknight dinner rotation that feels both sophisticated and deeply comforting. This is not just a meal; it is a full sensory experience from the moment the spices hit the hot pan to the very last bite.
- Effortless Cooking and Cleanup: This entire meal comes together in one skillet, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner champion. There’s no need for multiple pots and pans, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. You’ll sear the chicken and create the sauce all in the same pan, allowing the flavors to build upon each other. This method is not only efficient but also more flavorful, as the delicious browned bits from searing the chicken, known as fond, become the foundation of your sauce. The simplicity of this One Skillet Dinner cannot be overstated. It’s designed for busy parents and anyone who wants a spectacular meal without spending their entire evening in the kitchen. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome, impressive dish on the table, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your evening with your family.
- Perfectly Tender and Juicy Chicken: We use chicken thighs for this recipe, and for good reason. They are more forgiving than chicken breasts and remain incredibly tender and succulent even when cooked at high heat. As the chicken simmers in the vibrant harissa orange sauce, it absorbs all the flavors, becoming rich and delicious all the way through. The initial sear creates a wonderfully crisp skin that provides a fantastic textural contrast to the tender meat and silky sauce. This recipe is practically foolproof when it comes to cooking the chicken perfectly. You get that beautiful golden crust on the outside and moist, fall off the bone meat on the inside. It’s a truly satisfying and crowd pleasing result that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Versatile and Family Friendly: While the flavors are complex, the dish is surprisingly adaptable and family friendly. You have complete control over the spice level. Most store bought harissa pastes come in mild or spicy versions, so you can choose what works best for your family. You can also adjust the amount you add to the sauce. My kids love this dish; the sweetness from the orange and honey makes the spiciness very approachable and exciting for them. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over fluffy couscous, rice, quinoa, or even with a side of roasted vegetables. This recipe can easily be adapted as a Sheet Pan Chicken meal by tossing the chicken and some hearty vegetables like bell peppers and onions in the sauce and roasting everything together. There’s even a gluten free option by ensuring your harissa is GF certified and serving with a non gluten grain.
Ingredients for Harissa Orange Chicken
- 8 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup harissa paste (use mild or spicy based on your preference)
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Orange zest, for garnish
Substitutions:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts can be used, just adjust the cooking time accordingly so they don’t dry out.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutes for honey.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth or even just water can be used in a pinch.
How to Make Harissa Orange Chicken
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Your first step to achieving that perfect texture is preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is a critical step as it removes excess moisture and allows the skin to get wonderfully crispy and golden brown when you sear it. Once dry, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Now, grab a large, heavy bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron, as it retains heat beautifully. Place it over medium high heat and add the olive oil. You’ll know the oil is ready when it shimmers slightly. Carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down. You should hear a satisfying sizzle. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, do this in two batches. Let the chicken sear without moving it for about 6 to 8 minutes. This is where the magic starts, creating a beautiful crust. You’ll see the edges turning a deep golden brown. Flip the chicken over and sear for another 4 to 5 minutes on the other side. The chicken won’t be cooked through at this point, and that’s exactly what you want. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set it aside for a moment.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Do not wipe out the skillet! All those browned bits left in the pan are pure flavor. Reduce the heat to medium and add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet. Cook the onions, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon and scraping up those flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions have softened and become translucent. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. This process builds the foundational savory and sweet notes for your sauce.
- Create the Vibrant Sauce: This is where the dish truly comes to life. Add the harissa paste, fresh orange juice, chicken broth, honey, ground cumin, and ground coriander to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Whisk everything together until the harissa and honey are fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together into a cohesive, vibrant, and fragrant sauce. Give it a taste and season with a little more salt and pepper if you feel it needs it. Remember that the harissa paste itself is already seasoned, so you might not need much.
- Braise the Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. If they have released any juices onto the plate, pour those right back into the pan – that’s more flavor you don’t want to lose! Bring the sauce back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken braise for about 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the chicken will finish cooking through, becoming incredibly tender and absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the harissa orange sauce. The sauce will also thicken slightly into a beautiful glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through (an instant read thermometer should register 165°F), your masterpiece is ready. To give it a final flourish of freshness and color, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley and a bit of orange zest. The zest enhances the orange aroma and adds another layer of brightness. Your Harissa Orange Chicken is now ready to be served immediately. Prepare for rave reviews!
Pro Tips & Variations
This Easy Chicken Recipe is fantastic as is, but with a few simple tips and variations, you can truly make it your own. Here’s how you can elevate your Harissa Orange Chicken and adapt it to your specific tastes and dietary needs.
Pro Tips:
- Choose Your Harissa Wisely: Harissa paste is the soul of this dish, and not all harissa is created equal. It’s a key ingredient in North African Cuisine. Pastes can vary dramatically in heat level, smokiness, and texture. Some popular brands include Mina and DEA. If you’re new to harissa or cooking for people sensitive to spice, I recommend starting with a mild version. You can always add a little more or serve extra on the side. For a deeper, more complex flavor, look for rose harissa, which is infused with rose petals for a subtle floral note that works beautifully with the orange. Always taste your harissa before adding it to get a sense of its spice level.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: The initial step of searing the chicken thighs is crucial for two main reasons. First, it creates a delicious, crispy skin and a deep golden brown crust, which adds an incredible textural element to the final dish. This process is called the Maillard reaction, and it’s responsible for creating hundreds of new flavor compounds. Second, it renders some of the chicken fat and leaves behind those browned bits (the fond) in the skillet. These bits are a powerhouse of flavor that forms the base of your sauce when you deglaze the pan with your onions and liquid ingredients. Rushing this step will result in less flavorful chicken and a less complex sauce.
- Balance the Sauce: The magic of this sauce is the balance between spicy, sweet, and acidic. Taste your sauce before you return the chicken to the pan. Is your harissa particularly spicy? A little extra honey or a squeeze of orange juice can balance it out. Does it taste a little flat? A pinch more salt will make all the flavors pop. Is your orange very sweet? A tiny splash of lemon juice or vinegar can add a welcome acidic kick. Cooking is all about tasting and adjusting as you go, so trust your palate to create the perfect harmony of flavors for your Orange Chicken Recipe.
Variations:
- Sheet Pan Harissa Orange Chicken: For an even easier cleanup, turn this into a sheet pan meal. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large, rimmed baking sheet, toss the chicken thighs with some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini. In a bowl, whisk together the harissa, orange juice, olive oil, honey, and spices. Pour this sauce all over the chicken and vegetables and toss to coat everything well. Arrange in a single layer and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. This is a fantastic option for meal prep.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Variation: You can easily adapt this recipe to be plant based. Substitute the chicken with a block of extra firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes, or a can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed). If using tofu, pan fry it first until golden before adding it to the sauce. If using chickpeas, you can simply add them to the sauce with the onions and let them simmer for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it fully vegan.
- Spicy & Smoky Variation: If you’re a true spice lover, there are a few ways to kick this dish up a notch. Use a spicy harissa paste and add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices. For a smokier dimension, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce. You could even char a few whole chili peppers in the pan alongside the chicken for an extra layer of heat and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Harissa Orange Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that help to soak up every last drop of its delicious sauce. Creating the perfect plate is all about balancing flavor and texture. The spicy, sweet, and savory chicken pairs wonderfully with neutral grains, fresh salads, and comforting breads. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve this Moroccan Chicken Recipe to create a complete and satisfying meal for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a weekend gathering with friends.
- Fluffy Couscous: This is the classic and arguably best pairing. Couscous is a staple of North African cuisine and acts as the perfect neutral canvas for the bold flavors of the chicken. The tiny pasta pearls are fantastic at absorbing the vibrant sauce. To prepare it, simply follow the package directions, which usually involves pouring boiling, seasoned broth or water over the couscous and letting it steam for about 5 minutes. To elevate it, fluff the couscous with a fork and mix in a knob of butter, a handful of toasted slivered almonds for crunch, and some chopped fresh parsley or mint for freshness. Spoon the Harissa Orange Chicken and its sauce right over a bed of this fluffy couscous for a truly authentic experience.
- A Refreshing Herb and Cucumber Salad: To balance the warmth and spice of the chicken, a cool and refreshing salad is an excellent choice. A simple salad of sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion tossed in a lemon vinaigrette provides a crisp, acidic counterpoint. The crunch of the fresh vegetables contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. For an even more flavorful salad, add plenty of fresh herbs like mint, parsley, and cilantro. The coolness of the cucumber and mint is especially effective at complementing the heat from the harissa, making the entire meal feel bright and well rounded.
- Warm Flatbread or Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that incredible sauce go to waste! Serving this dish with warm naan, pita, or a a crusty French baguette is a must. Use the bread to mop up the skillet and your plate, ensuring you savor every last bit of the zesty, spicy, and sweet sauce. You can warm the bread in the oven or directly on a gas stovetop for a few seconds to get a nice char. The soft, chewy texture of a good flatbread is the perfect vehicle for scooping up pieces of chicken and sauce. This Is a great way to make the meal even more interactive and satisfying.
- Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables to the meal, roasted vegetables are a fantastic option. Hearty vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower pair wonderfully with the flavors of harissa and orange. You can toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them on a separate sheet pan while the chicken cooks. The natural sweetness of the roasted carrots and sweet potatoes complements the sauce beautifully, adding another layer of flavor and making the meal even more wholesome and nutritious.
Storage & Reheating for Harissa Orange Chicken
One of the best things about this recipe is that the flavors arguably get even better the next day! Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Harissa Orange Chicken to enjoy it again.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Allow the chicken and sauce to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Storing the chicken in its sauce is key, as it will prevent the meat from drying out.
- Freezer: This dish also freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer safe, airtight container or a heavy duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, I recommend freezing it without the garnish, as fresh herbs don’t freeze well.
Reheating:
- Stovetop (Recommended Method): The best way to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop. Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it warm up for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method prevents the chicken from becoming tough and ensures the sauce returns to its original consistency.
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, the microwave is a good option. Place the chicken and sauce in a microwave safe dish and cover it to prevent splatters. Reheat on medium power in 1 minute intervals, stirring in between, until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can make the chicken rubbery.
- From Frozen: For best results, thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using the stovetop method.
FAQ about Harissa Orange Chicken
Is this recipe very spicy? How can I control the heat?
The spice level is entirely up to you! Harissa paste varies in heat, so I recommend buying a “mild” version if you are sensitive to spice or serving it to kids. This Easy One Pan Harissa Orange Chicken is designed to be flavorful, not just fiery. The orange juice and honey also do a wonderful job of balancing the heat. Always start with a smaller amount of harissa, taste the sauce, and add more if you’d like. You can also serve extra harissa on the side for those who want an extra kick.
What can I serve with this Harissa Orange Chicken?
This dish is incredibly versatile. For a classic pairing, serve with couscous to soak up all the amazing sauce. It’s also fantastic with fluffy white or brown rice, quinoa, or warm flatbread for dipping. For a low carb or gluten free option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli, or over a fresh green salad.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I prefer chicken thighs for their rich flavor and because they stay more juicy, chicken breasts work well too. Since they are leaner, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to avoid drying them out. Sear them for just 3 to 4 minutes per side, then simmer them in the sauce for a shorter period, about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through (165°F at the thickest part).
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this is an excellent meal prep recipe! The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight. You can cook a batch on Sunday and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for delicious lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave. See the storage and reheating section above for detailed instructions.
Final Thoughts on Harissa Orange Chicken
I truly hope this Harissa Orange Chicken recipe brings as much joy and flavor to your table as it does to mine. It’s more than just a 30 Minute Meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors, simple cooking, and the happiness of sharing a wonderful meal with people you love. Every time I make this dish, the incredible aroma takes me right back to that feeling of culinary discovery, and I love seeing my family’s faces light up when I serve it.
If you make this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know how it turned out for you. And don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can always find it!
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Harissa Orange Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet,
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
Sauce Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup harissa paste use mild or spicy based on your preference
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice from about 2 oranges
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Orange zest for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin side down for 6-8 minutes without moving them, then flip and sear for another 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently and scraping up browned bits, for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add harissa paste, orange juice, chicken broth, honey, cumin, and coriander to the skillet. Whisk until well combined and bring to a gentle simmer. Let bubble for 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Bring back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and braise for 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and orange zest before serving.
