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This Harissa Chicken Marinade is a powerful mix of North African-inspired flavors, blending spicy harissa paste with aromatic coriander, earthy cumin, and fresh lemon. It’s a versatile marinade that brings smoky heat and vibrant zest to chicken, and it pairs well with multiple cooking methods: grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Best of all, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a go-to choice for meal prepping enthusiasts looking to simplify weeknight dinners or prep for gatherings. This marinade has slowly become a favorite in my home, especially for flavor-packed dinners, and works beautifully in rice bowls, salads, wraps, or served alongside grilled vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 450g chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup harissa paste
• Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp crushed coriander seeds
• 1 tsp crushed cumin seeds
• Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a mixing bowl, blend the harissa paste, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, crushed coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Add chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the harissa mixture. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
   • Baking: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the marinated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
   • Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet over medium with a bit of oil. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked.
4. Serve:
   Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired. This chicken is perfect in rice bowls, wraps, salads, or paired with couscous and roasted veggies for a satisfying meal.

Recipe Ideas & Serving Suggestions:

This Harissa Chicken Marinade brings a bold, spicy flavor to several dishes:

• Rice Bowls: Serve it over rice with veggies, drizzling extra lemon juice for a refreshing touch.
• Wraps & Pita: Slice the chicken and add it to pita bread or flatbreads with hummus, pickled veggies, and greens for a quick meal.
• Salads: Pair with a Mediterranean salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for a light but hearty meal.
• Roasted Vegetable Platter: Serve alongside roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, adding a creamy dip or sauce on the side.

Proper Freezing & Thawing Tips:

Freezing marinated chicken is an excellent way to simplify meal prep, but following a few essential steps will help maintain safety and flavor:

• Freezing: Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe, airtight container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date for easy reference. The marinated chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: For safe thawing, place the frozen marinated chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this increases the risk of bacterial growth.
• Cooking from Frozen: If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken directly from frozen. Simply bake in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-15 minutes longer than the regular baking time, checking periodically until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

Additional Meal Prep Marinades:

For more easy meal prep solutions, check out my collection of freezer-friendly marinades designed to make flavorful meals in minutes! Each marinade has its own unique twist, from herbaceous blends to spicy and tangy profiles, giving you endless ways to enjoy chicken, veggies, and more.

• Coriander Lemon Chicken marinade
• Lemon Pepper marinade
• Sriracha Parsley Chicken
• …and more

This Harissa Chicken Marinade combines convenience with rich, bold flavor, giving you a go-to option for creating satisfying meals without extra effort.