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Craving something flavorful and delicious tonight? Look no further – this Cava Harissa Honey Chicken recipe is sure to please! Combining a perfectly balanced mixture of flavors, the sweet honey and tangy harissa are the perfect complements to the savory bite of chicken. Versatile enough to satisfy both meat lovers and vegetarians alike, with just a few simple ingredients you’ll have an unforgettable meal ready in no time. Let’s get cooking!
What is Harissa Honey Chicken?
Harissa Honey Chicken, also known as M’tawam in Arabic, is a popular Middle Eastern dish combining the sweetness of honey with the spicy kick of harissa. The chicken is marinated in a blend of butter, garlic, and lemon juice before being poached or roasted until tender and juicy. For an extra burst of flavor you can add some cumin to the marinade. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds an additional layer of zing to this hearty meal.
Cava Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of harissa paste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish with the olive oil.
- Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and spread the honey and harissa paste over each breast.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted veggies, quinoa salad, or steamed rice!
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting the Recipe
- To add even more flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder to the honey and harissa paste.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and harissa paste based on your desired level of heat/sweetness.
- For an extra zing, sprinkle with some fresh lime juice before serving!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or stovetop as needed. Enjoy!
Side Dishes that Complement the Flavor Profile
This Cava Harissa Honey Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some recommendations:
- Roasted vegetables – Try roasting an assortment of colorful veggies such as bell peppers, onions, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
- Quinoa salad – Make a light and healthy quinoa salad by combining cooked quinoa with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and your favorite herbs.
- Steamed rice – Serve alongside steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Couscous – Make a Mediterranean-style couscous dish with garlic, parsley, and other spices or herbs of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions | Cava Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
1. What is harissa paste?
Harissa paste is a North African condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, and spices such as cumin and coriander. The flavor of the paste can vary depending on which type of chilies are used.
2. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Cava Harissa Honey Chicken recipe can easily be adapted to suit a vegetarian diet – just omit the chicken and replace it with an equal amount of cubed firm tofu or tempeh.
3. Should I poach or roast the chicken breasts?
For this particular recipe, we recommend roasting the chicken as it will help to caramelize the flavors from the honey and harissa paste.
4. What can I use instead of honey?
If you don’t have any honey on hand, you can also use maple syrup or agave nectar as substitutes for the honey in this recipe.
5. How long should I marinate the chicken?
We recommend at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, marinating the chicken overnight will ensure maximum flavor absorption!
6. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes – to freeze, simply place the cooked and cooled harissa honey chicken into a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
7. Are there any variations on this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs, or add in some vegetables for a complete meal. You could also try swapping out the chicken for salmon or shrimp! Have fun and enjoy!
Cava Harissa Honey Chicken
Equipment
- baking dish
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of harissa paste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish with the olive oil.
- Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and spread the honey and harissa paste over each breast.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted veggies, quinoa salad, or steamed rice!
Notes
Conclusion
Let us know what you think in the comments below and don’t forget to rate the recipe when you’re finished cooking! As always, if you have any questions or need more tips and tricks, our team of experts are here to help. Happy cooking!
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