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–+ servings
C. Motter Cindy

Harissa Orange Chicken

Experience the bold flavors of North Africa with this Harissa Orange Chicken. Tender chicken thighs are seared and braised in a vibrant sauce made with harissa paste, fresh orange juice, and aromatic spices. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup as a one-pan meal, it's a weeknight favorite that tastes like takeout.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

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

Equipment

  • Large skillet,

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and orange zest before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 550IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For a spicier version, use a hot harissa paste or add red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the amount of harissa used or choose a mild variety. Serve over couscous, rice, quinoa, or with warm flatbread to soak up the sauce.
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