Harissa Honey Chicken Sheet Pan - This harissa honey chicken sheet pan dinner features tender chicken thighs with crispy skin, roasted alongside sweet potatoes and red onions in a vibrant, sweet-spicy glaze. The harissa paste provides warm, complex heat that balances beautifully with floral honey, while high-heat roasting caramelizes the edges into sticky, flavorful perfection. Colorful vegetables roast in the same pan, absorbing the spiced chicken juices for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Ready in 40 minutes with just one pan to wash, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors on a busy weeknight.

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Harissa Honey Chicken Sheet Pan - This recipe succeeds because chicken thighs, with their higher fat content, stay juicy through high-heat roasting and develop beautifully crispy skin. The harissa-honey glaze works on multiple levels: honey caramelizes for sticky sweetness while harissa provides depth without overwhelming heat. After testing various roasting temperatures, 425°F proved ideal—hot enough to crisp the chicken skin and caramelize the vegetables without burning the honey. The sheet pan method isn't just convenient; it allows the chicken drippings to flavor the vegetables naturally. My approach here demonstrates how strategic ingredient placement (chicken skin-side up, vegetables in a single layer) and proper pan spacing create perfect results with minimal intervention. The resting time after roasting is non-negotiable—it allows juices to redistribute throughout the chicken for maximum tenderness.

Dietary Notes

✓ One-Pan Wonder
✓ Weeknight Favorite
✓ Sweet & Spicy Balance
✓ Minimal Cleanup

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Why You'll Love This

Effortless Cleanup: Everything cooks on one sheet pan, meaning just one pan to wash after dinner.
Flavor Development: The harissa-honey glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating complex sweet-spicy flavors with minimal effort.
Juicy Results: Chicken thighs stay moist and tender even at high heat, forgiving for varying oven temperatures.
Vegetable Bonus: The potatoes and onions roast in chicken drippings, becoming infused with rich flavor automatically.

Harissa Honey Chicken Sheet Pan

👩‍🍳 Author: Chef Nour

⏰ Prep Time: 15min

❄️ Cool Time: 5

🔥 Cook Time: 25min

🥨 Yield: 4

🍞 Method: Roasting

🌾 Diet: None

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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restaurant Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons harissa paste
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium sweet potatoes
1 large red onion
4 garlic cloves
1 lemon
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
to taste salt and black pepper

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✏️

bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Chicken thighs are ideal for sheet pan cooking because their higher fat content keeps them juicy through high-heat roasting. The bone adds flavor during cooking, while the skin becomes beautifully crispy when properly dried and roasted at high temperature.
harissa paste This North African chili paste adds complex, smoky heat with depth from spices like caraway and coriander. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference—start with less if using a particularly spicy brand. The paste's thickness helps it cling to the chicken for maximum flavor impact.
honey Honey not only sweetens but also caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating those sticky, flavorful edges on the chicken. Its floral notes complement the harissa's spice beautifully. For a different flavor profile, maple syrup can substitute in equal measure. Swap
olive oil Olive oil helps the harissa-honey glaze emulsify and spread evenly. It also coats the vegetables, helping them roast to tender perfection without sticking to the pan. A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds its own fruity notes to the dish.
sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes roast beautifully alongside chicken, becoming tender inside with slightly caramelized edges. Their natural sweetness balances the harissa's heat. Cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking—about 1-inch cubes work perfectly.
red onion Red onions become sweet and tender when roasted, losing their sharp raw bite. Cut into wedges with the root end intact so they hold their shape during cooking. They release moisture that helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
garlic cloves Minced garlic infuses the glaze with aromatic depth. Roasting mellows its sharpness while adding complexity to the overall flavor profile. Fresh garlic is preferable to powdered here for its more vibrant, nuanced flavor.
lemon Fresh lemon wedges served alongside provide bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the glaze. A squeeze just before eating elevates all the other flavors in the dish.
fresh cilantro or parsley These fresh herbs add a final burst of color and freshness that contrasts with the rich, roasted flavors. Cilantro pairs particularly well with harissa's North African origins, while parsley offers a more neutral herbal note.
salt and black pepper Proper seasoning is crucial—salt enhances all the other flavors and helps draw moisture from the chicken skin for better crisping. Freshly ground black pepper adds its own subtle heat that complements the harissa.

list_alt Instructions

1

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the center - this high temperature ensures proper caramelization and crispy chicken skin.
2

Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper - dry skin is essential for achieving crispiness during roasting.
3

Step 3: Whisk together harissa paste, honey, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create the glaze - this combination creates the sweet-spicy flavor profile that defines the dish.
4

Step 4: Toss sweet potatoes and red onion with remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan, then arrange in a single layer - single layer roasting prevents steaming and ensures even caramelization.
5

Step 5: Place chicken thighs skin-side up on the vegetables, brush generously with the harissa-honey glaze, and roast for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally - brushing before roasting allows the glaze to caramelize properly.
6

Step 6: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges - resting allows chicken juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Nutrition Facts

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Calories 420

Protein 28g

Carbs 32g

Fiber 4g

Sugar 18g

Fat 22g

Sodium 480mg

Potassium N/A

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Serving Suggestions

Serve directly from the sheet pan for a rustic presentation or transfer to a platter for family-style serving. The chicken thighs should be arranged skin-side up to showcase their beautiful caramelization. Scatter fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley over everything just before serving for a fresh contrast. This pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful pan juices.

How to Store?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through—this helps maintain the crispy chicken skin better than microwaving. The chicken and vegetables can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the vegetables may become softer upon thawing. For meal prep, the harissa-honey marinade can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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