Chicken and Harissa Paste blends the fiery charm of North African cuisine with the universal appeal of chicken. This dish, rooted deeply in Tunisian cooking traditions, utilizes Harissa—a spicy, aromatic chili paste that transforms simple ingredients into a bold culinary statement.
What is Harissa?
Harissa paste, a staple in Tunisian kitchens, is a vibrant blend of chili peppers, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway. This versatile condiment is not only used to marinate meats but can also enhance stews, soups, and even sandwiches. Discover how to create this spicy delight at home with Making Your Own Harissa, where you’ll find a guide to making authentic Harissa paste that captures the essence of North African flavors.
Why you’ll love this harissa chicken pasta
- Bold and flavorful: Harissa chicken pasta is packed with bold and flavorful spices that give it a unique and delicious taste.
- Quick and easy to make: You can have a delicious bowl of pasta on the table in just 30 minutes.
- Versatile: It’s super easy to make this harissa pasta your own by adding various veggies, adjusting the spiciness level or using gluten-free pasta as needed.
Ingredients for Harissa Chicken Paste
The key to a successful Harissa Chicken begins with the right ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Skinless and boneless
- Homemade or store-bought Harissa paste
- Olive oil: For marinating
- Lemon juice: To brighten the dish
- Garlic: Minced, for depth
- Salt and pepper: For basic seasoning
- Pasta can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine
Using quality ingredients is crucial, particularly the Harissa paste, which is the heart of the dish. Learn about the health benefits of Harissa, including its vitamin content and antioxidant properties, at Nutritional Benefits of Harissa.
Preparing Harissa Chicken Paste
To make Harissa Chicken, follow these detailed steps:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine Harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and seasoning.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill, skillet, or oven (for baking).
- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat on the grill or in a skillet, or bake in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the juices run clear, about 6-7 minutes per side on the grill or skillet, or 25-30 minutes in the oven.
Using high-quality olive oil can boost both the health benefits and the taste of your dish. Discover more about this essential ingredient at Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Nutritional Information
Harissa Chicken is not just a feast for your taste buds but also offers considerable nutritional benefits:
- High in protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in vitamins: Especially from the Harissa which contains a variety of spices and herbs.
- Moderate calories: Depending on the use of oil and the type of chicken used.
Customizing the Recipe
- For a less spicy version: Reduce the amount of Harissa paste.
- Vegetarian alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.
- Additional veggies: Add bell peppers and onions to the grill for a more rounded meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Harissa Chicken with:
- Grains: Such as couscous or rice to balance the heat.
- Salads: A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad complements the spiciness well. Try this simple recipe for a Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad.
FAQs
- What makes Harissa unique?
- Harissa’s unique flavor comes from a blend of chilies, garlic, and North African spices.
- Can I freeze Harissa Chicken?
- Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months; thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Is Harissa Chicken keto-friendly?
- Yes, when made with sugar-free Harissa, it is suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Tips and Tricks
- Ensuring moist chicken: Avoid overcooking by monitoring the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Enhancing flavor: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices.
This comprehensive guide to making Chicken and Harissa Paste promises a dish that is both invigorating and deeply satisfying, perfect for those looking to spice up their meal routines with something uniquely flavorful and robust. Enjoy the robust flavors of this North African-inspired dish that brings zesty excitement to your dinner table.
Chicken and Harissa Paste
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1/4 cup Harissa paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 340 Grams pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Extra olive oil and Harissa paste for the pasta
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for serving)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Harissa paste, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to blend the ingredients thoroughly.
- Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though several hours or overnight is ideal for deeper flavor infusion.
Cook Pasta:
- While the chicken is marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water.
- Toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil and a spoonful of Harissa paste to add flavor, using reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
Preheat the Grill or Oven:
- If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For oven cooking, preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Chicken:
- If grilling, place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has nice grill marks.
- If baking, place the chicken in a baking dish and cook in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Combine Chicken and Pasta
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and flavors.
- Slice the chicken and toss it together with the Harissa-flavored pasta, mixing well to distribute the flavors.
