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Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Close-up of spicy Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken with sweet potatoes and red onions served with a dollop of yogurt.

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A simple, flavorful recipe for spicy harissa chicken and sweet potatoes cooked together on one sheet pan for easy weeknight cooking and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs work best)
  • 1.5 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, harissa paste, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  3. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour half of the harissa marinade over the chicken and toss until every piece is coated. Set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes and red onion wedges with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining half of the harissa marinade.
  5. Arrange the sweet potatoes and onions in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place the marinated chicken pieces among the vegetables, ensuring everything has space and is not overcrowded.
  6. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping the chicken and stirring the vegetables halfway through the cooking time. The chicken skin should be crisp, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The sweet potatoes should be tender.
  7. Remove from the oven. Serve immediately with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, if using.

Notes

  • To balance the spice, use less harissa paste or mix the paste with a tablespoon of honey before marinating the chicken.
  • For crispier chicken skin, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before applying the marinade.
  • If your sweet potatoes are cut larger than 1 inch, you may need to start roasting them 10 minutes before adding the chicken to the pan.

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