Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl

by

Sweet Heat, Bold & Nourishing

This honey harissa chicken bowl is the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy—all layered into a colorful, satisfying meal. Tender chicken is glazed in sticky honey harissa sauce, then served over fluffy grains with fresh veggies for a bowl that feels both wholesome and crave-worthy. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner option that comes together quickly, yet tastes restaurant-level impressive. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy days or serving a cozy family dinner, this bowl delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4 bowls

📝 Ingredients

  • 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp harissa paste
  • 2½ tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the bowls

  • 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous
  • 1 cup roasted or steamed chickpeas
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

🍲 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together harissa paste, honey, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauce should be glossy and slightly thick.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. 🔥
  4. Pour the honey harissa sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium and cook another 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is sticky and caramelized. ✨
  5. While chicken cooks, prepare your grain base and chop vegetables.
  6. Assemble bowls: add grains, top with honey harissa chicken, then arrange veggies and chickpeas around the bowl. 🥗
  7. Finish with fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of sauce if desired.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Heat control: Harissa varies in spice—start with less and add more if needed.
  • Meal prep: Store components separately for up to 4 days in the fridge.
  • Protein swap: This works beautifully with chicken breasts or even grilled chicken.
  • Creamy contrast: Add a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce to balance the heat.

Leave a Comment