Looking for a bold and flavorful way to spice up your dinner routine? Harissa Roasted Spicy Chicken is the answer. This dish is all about juicy, tender chicken infused with the smoky heat of harissa, a North African chili paste that brings both depth and spice to every bite.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—just coat the chicken with a harissa marinade, roast it in the oven, and let the flavors develop into something truly irresistible. The result? A crispy, slightly charred exterior with succulent, flavorful meat inside. Whether you like a little heat or prefer something fiery, this recipe is easy to adjust to your spice level.

Best of all, it works for any occasion. Serve it as a weeknight meal, prep it ahead for meal planning, or wow your guests at a dinner gathering. Let’s get into how to make this flavorful roasted chicken at home!

Table of contents

What You’ll Need for This Fiery Roasted Chicken

The ingredients are simple, but they bring an explosion of flavor. Here’s what makes this dish shine:

Harissa Paste – The heart of this recipe! This bold chili paste blends smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors to create a well-balanced heat. You can find it in stores or make your own.
Chicken (Thighs or Drumsticks) – Bone-in, skin-on chicken holds onto moisture while crisping up beautifully in the oven.
Garlic and Lemon – These two ingredients add a fresh and slightly zesty contrast to the heat of harissa.
Olive Oil and Spices – A mix of olive oil, cumin, and paprika helps create a rich, flavorful marinade that sticks to the chicken.

How to Make Harissa Roasted Spicy Chicken

Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken generously with harissa paste, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet.
Roast to Perfection: Bake for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy and tender.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after roasting. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your favorite sides.

Ways to Switch Things Up

Harissa is incredibly versatile, and this recipe can be adapted to fit different preferences. Try these variations:

Make It Milder – If you’re not a fan of too much spice, mix harissa with Greek yogurt to tone down the heat.
Go Smokier – Add a touch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a deeper smoky flavor.
Use Different Cuts – This recipe works with chicken breasts, wings, or even a whole roasted chicken. Just adjust the cooking time.
Extra Citrus Kick – Add orange zest or pomegranate molasses for a slightly sweet contrast to the spice.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

This dish isn’t just about the spice—it’s about the balance of flavors that make each bite exciting. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Crispy, Flavorful Skin – Roasting at high heat ensures a crisp, slightly charred crust while keeping the inside moist.
Bold Yet Simple – Harissa does all the heavy lifting, so you don’t need a long list of ingredients to get great flavor.
Easy to Make Ahead – Marinate the chicken ahead of time, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

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What to Serve with Harissa Roasted Spicy Chicken

Pairing this chicken with the right sides makes the meal even better. Here are some great options:

Couscous with Fresh Herbs – Light and fluffy couscous with parsley, mint, and lemon balances the heat of the chicken.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness helps mellow out the spice.
Garlic Yogurt Sauce – A creamy, cooling sauce that complements the harissa perfectly.
Grilled Flatbread – Great for soaking up the delicious spicy juices from the chicken.

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Harissa Roasted Spicy Chicken

Harissa Roasted Spicy Chicken is an easy yet bold dish packed with smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a rich harissa marinade, then roasted until crispy and golden. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special gathering!

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Middle Eastern, North African

Servings serving

Equipment

Baking Sheet For roasting the chicken
Mixing Bowl For preparing the marinade

Ingredients

4 pieces chicken thighs or drumsticks bone-in, skin-on for best texture
2 tablespoons harissa paste adjust based on spice preference
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon olive oil for the marinade
1 teaspoon cumin adds warm spice

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine harissa paste, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and paprika.
Coat the chicken thoroughly in the harissa marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra heat, add chili flakes or extra harissa.
Pair with a cooling yogurt dip to balance the spice.

Keyword easy baked chicken, harissa chicken, spicy roasted chicken

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!