Harissa Honey Chicken Bites

Harissa honey chicken bites are slightly spicy and slightly sweet. They are the perfect addition to salads, grain bowls, or pastas. These chicken bites only use a few ingredients and are easy to make, but so flavorful!

The spicy-sweet combination of harissa and honey is just so craveworthy. I first had harissa honey chicken in bowls from Cava, and immediately knew I needed to make my own version to enjoy.

My version of harissa honey chicken is so easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be used in so many dishes, or just eaten on its own. I cut mine in bite-sized pieces, so that I could easily enjoy in salads, grain bowls, and pastas.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil
• Harissa
• Lemon
• Honey

What is harissa?

Harissa is a North African paste made from red chili peppers. It usually also has a slightly citrusy flavor, adding to the brightness. It can be found jarred like a condiment, or in a dry spice blend. Both are delicious.

I've fallen head over heels in love with harissa and love using it to spice up so many recipes. I've added it to zucchini chips, made a creamy harissa pasta, and even made a harissa butter!

And if you're looking for how to make a harissa paste from powder, I've got ya covered. It's not as good as fresh, but will do in a pinch!

Where can you buy harissa?

You can buy harissa at most grocery stores, but depending on the store, you may need to check the International section. Trader Joe's has a jarred version, and the Mina brand is easy to find many places. You can often also find it at World Market.

I can also find the ground harissa powder at my regular grocery store, Sprouts, and Whole Foods. You can also find it online here.

Serving ideas:

This harissa chicken is so good served on a salad, in a grain bowl, or a grains and greens bowl.

I've also frequently been adding it to pastas, especially creamy ones. The heat of the harissa pairs so nicely with the creamy pasta. (Sidenote, I also just love making a creamy harissa pasta).

Recipe tips:

• Slice the chicken to a similar thickness so it cooks evenly. If needed, you can slice a bit smaller so it's more bite-sized, depending on how you want to use it.
• Don't crowd your pan when cooking the chicken, otherwise it will steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if needed.
• I used a medium-spice harissa in this recipe. Depending on your preferred spice level, you could also use a mild or spicy harissa.

How to make:

First, prepare your harissa sauce. Add your harissa, lemon juice, and honey to the bowl.

Stir to combine to create the harissa honey sauce.

Next, slice your chicken breast into bite sized pieces and add to a medium bowl. Season with salt and garlic powder and then toss to combine.

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in your skillet, then add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is cooked through. Add the harissa honey mixture and cook until mixture is hot and slightly thickened.