Harissa Roast Chicken with Chickpea Salad
I love the warm chilli glow you get from using harissa. The North African paste goes well with so many things, but it's particularly good with this chicken dish.
I love the warm chilli glow you get from using harissa. The North African paste goes well with so many things, but it's particularly good with this chicken dish.
- 2 tbs honey
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- juice of 2 lemons
- 1 x 1.6kg free-range chicken, butterflied
- 2 tbs harissa paste
- 1/3 cup (80ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (80g) pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 400 can chickpeas drained, rinsed
- 2 tbs tahini
- 200 g mixed cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 lebanese cucumbers halved lengthways, thickly sliced on the diagonal
- 2 spring onions thinly sliced
- â¼ bunch each mint and flat-leaf parsley leaves picked
- Carbohydrate 9623.278359365 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 484.96414501 g
- Fiber 1872.14156514714 g
- Protein 2106.252290175 g
- Saturated Fat 50.238075887 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (42707g)
- Sodium 127152.3111035 mg
- Sugar 7751.13679421786 g
- Trans Fat 108.4976458575 g
- Calories 50637 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Line 2 baking trays with baking paper.
- Score chicken 2-3 times through the thickest part of the breasts and legs.
- Place the chicken, skin-side up, on 1 of the prepared trays.
- Combine harissa, honey, half the lemon juice, half the garlic and 2 tbs olive oil in a bowl.
- Pour three-quarters of harissa mixture all over chicken and season.
- Roast, basting regularly, for 40-50 minutes or until cooked through.
- Set aside to rest, loosely covered with foil, for 15 minutes.
- Combine pepitas, chickpeas and remaining harissa mixture in a bowl, then transfer to second prepared tray and bake for 20-25 minutes or until crisp.
- Set aside.
- To prepare the salad, whisk together the tahini, 2 tbs water and remaining garlic and lemon juice.
- Season and set aside.
- Place chickpea mixture, tomato, cucumber, spring onion and herbs in a large serving bowl.
- Add tahini dressing and toss to combine.
- Using a cleaver or kitchen scissors, cut the chicken into 8 pieces and serve with chickpea salad.
Harissa Roast Chicken with Chickpea Salad: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel like an impossible task. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending to-do list, the idea of spending hours in the kitchen often feels overwhelming. But I've discovered the secret to enjoying flavorful, home-cooked meals without sacrificing my precious time – and it involves a little help from my favorite North African spice paste, harissa!
This Harissa Roast Chicken with Chickpea Salad is my go-to recipe when I want a satisfying and vibrant meal that's ready in under an hour. It's packed with flavor, beautiful to present, and incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, and the chickpea salad is a fantastic source of protein and fiber, keeping me feeling full and energized throughout the day. The best part? The cleanup is surprisingly minimal, meaning more time for family and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The harissa paste, a fiery blend of chili peppers, spices, and herbs, adds a depth of flavor that's simply unmatched. I love the way it infuses the chicken, creating a succulent and slightly spicy roast that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. The chickpea salad is a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken, offering a cool and crunchy texture that balances the spiciness beautifully. The combination of creamy tahini, crunchy chickpeas, and fresh herbs is simply irresistible.
Why this recipe is a lifesaver for busy women:
- Quick and easy: The entire recipe, from prep to plating, takes less than an hour.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Flavorful and satisfying: The harissa paste adds a unique and delicious flavor that will impress your family and friends.
- Minimal cleanup: The recipe involves minimal dishes, saving you precious time.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
This recipe isn't just for weeknights; it's also perfect for entertaining. The vibrant colors and delicious flavors make it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Imagine impressing your guests with a flavorful and healthy meal that doesn't require hours of slaving over a hot stove. It’s the perfect combination of impressive and effortless.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that will wow your family and friends, look no further than this Harissa Roast Chicken with Chickpea Salad. It's a recipe that I've come to rely on time and time again, and I know it will become a staple in your kitchen too. Trust me on this; it's worth making.
Tips and Variations:
- For a milder flavor, use less harissa paste or choose a milder variety.
- Add other vegetables to the chickpea salad, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
- Serve the chicken and salad with couscous, quinoa, or rice for a complete meal.
- Use different herbs in the chickpea salad, such as cilantro, dill, or parsley.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the chickpea salad for extra brightness.
Enjoy!
