Tunisian Style Chicken Thighs

Transport your taste buds to North Africa with these flavorful Tunisian-Style Chicken Thighs, a dish that combines bold spices and tender, juicy chicken for a crowd-pleasing meal. Marinated in a vibrant blend of harissa paste, ground coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cinnamon, these bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are infused with warmth and savory depth. A touch of honey and lemon juice lends a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, while garlic and turmeric add aromatic complexity. Searing the chicken creates irresistibly crispy, golden skin, and roasting it in the oven ensures succulent, fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Serve these spiced chicken thighs with fluffy couscous, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this Tunisian-inspired recipe is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

Step 1

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, harissa paste, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, lemon juice, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper to form a marinade.

Step 3

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated by massaging the marinade into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for more intense flavor.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5

In a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip the thighs and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.

Step 6

Add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet to prevent sticking, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

Step 7

Roast the chicken thighs in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 9

Pair the chicken with fluffy couscous, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1080.8 grams (1080.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2617

Total Fat 202.10g	259%
Saturated Fat 51.40g	257%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 729mg	243%
Sodium 1719mg	75%
Total Carbohydrate 33.00g	12%
Dietary Fiber 4.80g	17%
Total Sugars 20.50g
Protein 166.30g	333%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 218mg	17%
Iron 14mg	76%
Potassium 2430mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.5%

Protein: 25.4%

Carbs: 5.0%