Harissa Baked Chicken with Feta Recipe

If you are craving something that bursts with bold flavors yet comes together effortlessly, then the Harissa Baked Chicken with Feta Recipe is your next kitchen triumph. This vibrant dish is a beautiful marriage of spicy, creamy, and tangy elements brought together by tender, juicy chicken breasts baked with aromatic harissa paste and topped with luscious feta cheese. It’s a dazzling centerpiece perfect for winding down any evening while impressing anyone lucky enough to share your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen, each contributing to the layers of flavor and vibrant color that make this dish so irresistible.

• 4 chicken breasts, skinless, boneless: The star protein that soaks up all the spices beautifully without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle depth and just the right garlicky warmth without being too bold.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Gives a smoky earthiness that complements the harissa wonderfully.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors throughout the dish.
• ½ teaspoon coriander: Introduces a hint of citrusy lightness to brighten the spice palette.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky sweetness that lifts the overall aroma.
• ½ teaspoon pepper: Brings a little kick, ensuring the dish isn’t bland but perfectly seasoned.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables, bringing richness and a silky texture.
• 454 grams cocktail or grape tomatoes (1 pound): Bursting with natural sweetness, they soften into a tender, saucy base.
• 1 red pepper, sliced: Adds a sweet crunch and beautiful color contrast to the dish.
• 140 gram block feta cheese (5 oz): Provides a creamy, salty counterpoint that melts just slightly while baking.
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced: They offer a delicate onion-like sweetness that blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic intensifies the savory layers and pairs perfectly with harissa.
• 3 tablespoons harissa paste: The vibrant, spicy North African chili paste that infuses the entire dish with warmth and complexity.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat with a subtle touch of sweetness.
• ¼ cup chicken stock: Adds moisture and helps create a luscious sauce that ties all the elements together.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish: Brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness completing the dish beautifully.

How to Make Harissa Baked Chicken with Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub and Marinate

In a small bowl, blend the garlic powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice rub sets the foundation for the bold, layered flavors in the chicken. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This step awakens the spices and tenderizes the chicken, inviting those robust tastes to sink in deeply.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear each side for 2-3 minutes. This golden crust seals in the juices and adds a delicious caramelized flavor that will carry through the baking process. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside temporarily.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Build the Sauce

Using the same skillet, add a splash more olive oil if needed. Toss in the thinly sliced shallots and red pepper, sautéing them just long enough to soften and release their aromas—about a minute. Add the minced garlic and chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Stir in the harissa paste and honey, then fold in the grape tomatoes and chopped basil. This mixture becomes the vibrant sauce that will envelop the chicken as it bakes.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Push the vegetable mixture toward the skillet edges, creating an inviting space in the center to nestle the block of feta cheese. Arrange the seared chicken breasts around the feta, tucking them gently into the vegetables. Slide the skillet into the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, baste the chicken and feta with the released sauce, then return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the feta is luxuriously soft and just beginning to melt.

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove the skillet from the oven, take the chicken out, and stir the softened feta into the vegetables to create a creamy, tangy sauce. Place the chicken back in the pan, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a herbaceous finish, and get ready to serve this beautiful dish.

How to Serve Harissa Baked Chicken with Feta Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of fresh basil leaves adds a pop of green and fresh aroma that brightens each bite. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra richness and crunch.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines served alongside fluffy couscous or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Light, herby quinoa or warm pita bread also make excellent companions, perfect for scooping and savoring every last bit of harissa-spiced goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic family-style meal, serve the whole skillet right at the table so guests can dive in and help themselves. Alternatively, plate individual chicken breasts over a bed of grains, spooning the tomato and feta sauce generously over the top for a visually stunning presentation inviting eager forks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Harissa Baked Chicken with Feta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen after resting, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent the feta from becoming grainy, consider freezing the cheese separately or adding a bit more fresh feta upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken stock or olive oil if the sauce looks too thick or dry to keep it luscious and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken breasts will work fine but may require a longer baking time to ensure they cook through properly. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

How spicy is the Harissa Baked Chicken with Feta Recipe?

The heat level depends on the harissa paste you choose. Typically, harissa offers a gentle to medium spiciness balanced by the creamy feta, but you can adjust the amount of harissa paste to suit your taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe contains no gluten ingredients, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten. Just be mindful of any side dishes you pair it with.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While the chicken is the star here, you could adapt the recipe by roasting just the vegetables and feta with the harissa sauce, serving over grains or legumes for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

What can I substitute for fresh basil if I don’t have any?

If fresh basil is not available, parsley or cilantro can add a fresh, vibrant herbaceous note. Dried herbs won’t deliver the same brightness but can be used in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

Once you try the Harissa Baked Chicken with Feta Recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary chicken dinners. The exciting interplay of spices, the tangy creaminess of feta, and the succulent baked chicken create a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Dive into this vibrant dish and enjoy every bold, comforting bite with loved ones or as a special treat just for you.

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