Best 3 Spicy Harissa Chicken With Lentils Recipes

Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to North Africa with this vibrant and flavorful Spicy Harissa Chicken with Lentils. This wholesome dish combines succulent chicken, tender lentils, and an array of aromatic spices to create a harmonious symphony of flavors. The star of the show is the fiery harissa paste, a North African staple that adds a delightful kick to the dish. Served over fluffy couscous or quinoa, this hearty and nutritious meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Additionally, the article offers a delectable selection of complementary recipes to elevate your dining experience. Indulge in the creamy and refreshing Avocado and Yogurt Sauce, a perfect accompaniment to the spicy chicken. For a side dish that bursts with freshness, try the vibrant Moroccan Carrot Salad, featuring a medley of crisp carrots, tangy lemon, and fragrant herbs. And to satisfy your sweet cravings, whip up a batch of the delectable Orange and Pistachio Baklava, a classic dessert that combines layers of phyllo dough, sweet nuts, and a hint of orange zest. With its diverse and flavorful offerings, this article caters to every palate, making it an invaluable resource for home cooks seeking a taste of North African cuisine.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HARISSA CHICKEN

Harissa chicken image

Harissa Chicken paired with rice is a Tunisian inspired recipe that uses a sweet and smokey red chili pepper paste to create a bold, spicy and flavorful dish

Provided by Yumna Jawad

Categories Entree

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons harissa paste
4 garlic cloves (crushed or minced)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds chicken breast (cut into 2 inch chunks)
Rice (for serving)
Fresh mint (for serving)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, harissa, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the spice mix and mix well to incorporate. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Heat a large saucepan on medium without any oil, then transfer the chicken from the bowl to the saucepan. Cook until the chicken is well done, about 8-10 minutes. When it's cooked, squeeze some fresh lime juice on top of the chicken.
Serve over rice with a lime wedges and fresh mint, if desired. Due to the spice level, plain yogurt also works really well with the recipe.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 245 kcal, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 32 g, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 96 mg, Sodium 437 mg, ServingSize 1 serving

SPICY HARISSA CHICKEN WITH LENTILS

Spicy harissa chicken with lentils image

This healthy one-pot from reader Sarah Oliver with chicken thighs, Puy lentils and harissa is packed with flavour - hearty, filling and low in calories

Provided by Good Food team

Categories Dinner, Main course

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion , chopped
1 garlic clove , crushed
50g harissa
500g chicken thigh , skin removed, boned and diced
1 medium carrot , grated
200g dried puy lentils
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
1.2l stock , made from 1 chicken or vegetable stock cube
flat-leaf parsley , to serve (optional)

Steps:

Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Fry the onion on a low heat for 5-6 mins until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min more.
Stir in the harissa, add the chicken and cook until well browned all over. Stir in the carrot, lentils and tomatoes, then add the stock so the chicken is fully immersed.
Reduce the heat and cook, uncovered, for 30-35 mins until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and the lentils are tender and have absorbed the liquid. Season well, scatter with parsley (if using) and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440 calories, Fat 13 grams fat, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 36 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 11 grams sugar, Fiber 10 grams fiber, Protein 39 grams protein, Sodium 1.3 milligram of sodium

HARISSA CHICKEN AND LENTIL SOUP

Harissa Chicken and Lentil Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 scallions, thinly sliced (dark green parts separated)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons harissa
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 15.5-ounce cans lentils
4 pieces pita bread
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, plus 4 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the white and light green scallion parts and cook until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the chicken, season with 3/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Stir in the cumin and 1/4 cup harissa to coat the chicken completely; cook 1 minute.
Add the tomatoes, lentils and 4 1/2 cups water to the pot. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the soup thickens slightly, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, wrap the pita in foil and place in the oven to warm, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the remaining 2 tablespoons harissa and the lemon zest into the yogurt. Right before serving, stir the lemon juice into the soup.
Divide the soup among bowls. Top with the yogurt mixture and dark green scallion parts; serve with the pita.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 640, Fat 15 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Cholesterol 84 milligrams, Sodium 1281 milligrams, Carbohydrate 73 grams, Fiber 19 grams, Sugar 9 grams, Protein 49 grams

Tips:

Use a good quality harissa paste. This is the key ingredient in this dish, so make sure you use a paste that is flavorful and has a good balance of heat and spice. If you can't find harissa paste, you can make your own by blending together roasted red peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and olive oil.
Don't be afraid to adjust the heat level. This recipe is written for a medium-spicy dish, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking. If you want a milder dish, use less harissa paste or omit the cayenne pepper. If you want a spicier dish, add more harissa paste or cayenne pepper, or both.
Cook the chicken until it is cooked through. This is important for food safety, but it also helps to ensure that the chicken is tender and juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) before serving.
Serve the chicken with a variety of sides. This dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, quinoa, couscous, or roasted vegetables. It can also be served with a simple salad or yogurt sauce.

Conclusion:

This spicy harissa chicken with lentils is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken is tender and juicy, the lentils are hearty and filling, and the harissa paste adds a delicious kick of heat and spice. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.