Main Course · Dinner · Middle Eastern ·

Moroccan Date and Harissa Chicken with Toasted Almonds

Experience a burst of flavors with this Moroccan-inspired chicken dish, featuring dates, harissa, and toasted almonds. Perfect for those who love a sweet and spicy combo!

4.8(0 reviews)
·By Troy·
Moroccan Date and Harissa Chicken with Toasted Almonds
Prep
35 min
Cook
1 h 45 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare Marinade

    In a bowl, mix harissa paste, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  2. 2

    Coat Chicken

    Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade, ensuring they are well covered.

  3. 3

    Refrigerate

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for best results.

    Tip: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

Preparing the Sauce

  1. 1

    Combine Ingredients

    In a saucepan, combine chicken broth, chopped dates, honey, lemon juice, and harissa paste.

  2. 2

    Simmer

    Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

    Tip: Do not let the sauce boil rapidly, as it can lose its flavors.

  3. 3

    Adjust Seasoning

    Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

    Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more chicken broth.

How to Make Moroccan Date and Harissa Chicken with Toasted Almonds

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Searing the Chicken

    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the marinated chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.

  2. 2

    Cooking the Sauce with Chicken

    Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.

  3. 3

    Toasting the Almonds

    In a small pan, toast the almond slices over medium heat until lightly golden, about 3-5 minutes.

Chef's Tips

    Frequently asked questions

    How long can I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Can I substitute harissa?

    Yes, you can use a mix of chili paste and smoked paprika as a substitute.

    Is this dish freezer-friendly?

    Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from separating.

    Can I use chicken breasts instead?

    Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but be mindful to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.

    How can I make it less spicy?

    Reduce the amount of harissa paste or substitute with a milder chili paste if desired.

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