Spicy Harissa Chicken Cumin Yogurt (Print View)

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in harissa, roasted, and topped with fresh cumin yogurt for rich flavor.

# Components:

→ Chicken Marinade

01 - 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 2.8 pounds / 1.3 kilograms)
02 - 3 tablespoons harissa paste
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Cumin Yogurt Sauce

10 - 1 cup (240 grams) plain Greek yogurt
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

→ Optional Garnish

15 - Lemon wedges
16 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the harissa paste, olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir to form a cohesive marinade.
03 - Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours for a more intense flavor.
04 - Place the marinated chicken thighs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the skin-side is facing upwards.
05 - Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crisp and an internal thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
06 - While the chicken is roasting, combine the Greek yogurt, ground cumin, fresh lemon juice, salt, and chopped cilantro or parsley in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
07 - Present the roasted chicken thighs hot. Drizzle each serving with a spoonful of the prepared cumin yogurt sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges and additional fresh herbs, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time
  • Creates restaurant quality flavor with simple ingredients
  • Adaptable heat level to suit your preference
  • Perfect balance of spicy and cooling elements
02 -
  • Harissa paste varies widely in heat level always taste before using
  • This recipe works beautifully for meal prep the flavors deepen overnight
  • The yogurt sauce makes an excellent dip for raw vegetables or pita chips
  • Perfect for entertaining as most work is done in advance
03 -
  • For maximum crispiness pat chicken thighs completely dry before marinating
  • Add a drizzle of honey to the marinade for beautiful caramelization
  • Toast whole cumin seeds and grind them yourself for the yogurt sauce for incredible aroma
  • Let chicken come to room temperature for 20 minutes before roasting for more even cooking

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