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Harissa Baked Chicken with Feta Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

Harissa Baked Chicken with Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with a spicy harissa-infused tomato and vegetable sauce, topped with creamy baked feta cheese. This Mediterranean and North African-inspired recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner that delivers bold, complex flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Chicken and Spice Rub

  • 4 chicken breasts, skinless, boneless
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Sauce

  • 454 grams (1 pound) cocktail or grape tomatoes
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ¼ cup chicken stock
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish (optional)

Cheese

  • 140 gram block feta cheese (5 oz)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later in the recipe.
  2. Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful spice mixture to season the chicken.
  3. Season the Chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Allow them to marinate at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add shallots and red pepper and sauté for 1 minute until softened. Stir in minced garlic and chicken stock, scraping any brown bits from the pan for added flavor.
  6. Add Harissa Mixture and Tomatoes: Stir in the harissa paste and honey to the skillet, then add tomatoes and chopped basil. Stir everything to coat the ingredients evenly with the harissa sauce.
  7. Arrange the Skillet: Push the vegetable mixture to the sides creating a well in the center of the skillet. Place the block of feta cheese in the center. Arrange the seared chicken breasts around the feta and nestled on top of the vegetables.
  8. Bake the Chicken and Feta: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove and baste the chicken and feta with pan sauce, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the feta softens and melts slightly.
  9. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Carefully remove the chicken breasts, mix the softened feta cheese into the vegetables. Return the chicken to the skillet, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot. This dish pairs well with pasta, grains, or enjoyed on its own.

Notes

  • For best flavor, allow chicken to marinate with spice rub for the full 30 minutes.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan to safely transfer from stovetop to oven.
  • Check chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
  • Adjust the amount of harissa paste to control spice level as preferred.
  • Serve with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/harissa-baked-chicken-with-feta-recipe/