If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, comforting textures, and a touch of sweetness, you’ve just found it! Harissa-Spiced Chicken and Rice with Dates & Pistachios is a beautifully balanced meal that combines smoky, spicy harissa with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and the irresistible contrast of sweet dates and crunchy pistachios.
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This dish is one of those one-pan wonders—flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for weeknights or entertaining. The harissa adds warmth without overwhelming heat, while the dates and pistachios bring a sweet-savory depth that makes every bite exciting. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
Why You’ll Love Harissa-Spiced Chicken and Rice
One-Pan Magic – Everything cooks together, meaning fewer dishes and maximum flavor.
Bold & Balanced – Spicy harissa, sweet dates, and crunchy pistachios create a perfect flavor combination.
Easy Yet Impressive – Simple to make but elegant enough for guests.
Meal Prep-Friendly – Makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day!
Protein-Packed & Satisfying – The chicken and rice combo keeps you full and energized.
Ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Chicken and Rice
Chicken Thighs – Juicy and flavorful, they soak up the harissa beautifully.
Harissa Paste – The star ingredient! Smoky, slightly spicy, and packed with deep, complex flavors.
Basmati Rice – Light and fluffy, perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices.
Chicken Broth – Adds depth and richness to the rice.
Garlic & Onion – The flavor base that brings everything together.
Ground Cumin & Coriander – Warm, earthy spices that complement the harissa beautifully.
Cinnamon – Just a hint for a subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with the dates.
Dates – Naturally sweet, they add a chewy contrast to the savory elements.
Pistachios – Crunchy, nutty, and a beautiful finishing touch.
Lemon Juice – Brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
Olive Oil – Helps everything cook to perfection.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
How to Make Harissa-Spiced Chicken and Rice
Marinate the Chicken – Coat the chicken thighs with harissa paste, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Let it sit while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
Sear the Chicken – Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics – In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Toast the Rice – Stir in the basmati rice and toast for a minute to develop flavor.
Add Broth & Cook – Pour in the chicken broth, nestle the chicken thighs back in, cover, and let simmer until the rice is tender.
Finish with Dates & Pistachios – Fluff the rice and stir in chopped dates and pistachios for a sweet and crunchy contrast.
Garnish & Serve – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and enjoy!
How to Serve Harissa-Spiced Chicken and Rice
With Yogurt – A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt balances the spice.
With Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
With Flatbread – Serve alongside warm pita or naan to scoop up every last bite.
As a Bowl Meal – Add roasted veggies or a side salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Additional Tips
Adjust the Spice Level – Use mild or hot harissa, depending on your preference.
Swap the Nuts – If you’re not a fan of pistachios, try almonds or cashews instead.
Make It Vegetarian – Swap chicken for chickpeas or roasted eggplant for a plant-based version.
Double the Batch – This dish reheats beautifully, so make extra for meal prep!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
Q2: How spicy is harissa?
A2: It varies by brand! If you’re unsure, start with less and add more to taste.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Q4: What can I use instead of dates?
A4: Dried apricots, raisins, or even figs would work well as substitutes.
Q5: Can I cook this in a Dutch oven?
A5: Yes! A Dutch oven is perfect for even cooking and holding in moisture.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q7: Can I freeze this dish?
A7: Yes, but leave out the pistachios until serving to keep them crunchy.
Q8: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A8: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the rice from drying out.
Q9: Can I use a different type of rice?
A9: Yes, but cooking times may vary. Jasmine rice or long-grain white rice work well.
Q10: How can I make this a full meal?
A10: Add a side of roasted veggies or a simple cucumber-tomato salad for a fresh contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Harissa-Spiced Chicken and Rice with Dates & Pistachios is comfort food with a twist—bold, aromatic, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it to impress guests, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. So grab that harissa, get cooking, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Harissa-Spiced Chicken and Rice with Dates & Pistachios
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This flavor-packed one-pan dish combines spicy harissa chicken with fragrant basmati rice, sweet medjool dates, and crunchy pistachios. A simple yet bold meal inspired by Moroccan flavors!
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Kosher salt & pepper, to taste
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or drumsticks
- 2 to 4 tbsp harissa (adjust to heat preference)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin (or toasted whole cumin seeds)
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed (do not use brown rice)
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 medjool dates, diced
- 1 orange (zest & juice)
- 2 tbsp (or more) chopped pistachios (roasted, unsalted)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Sauté:
- Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium, add onion + pinch of salt, and sauté until soft (5 min).
2️⃣ Marinate Chicken:
- In a bowl, season chicken with salt & pepper.
- Add remaining 1 tbsp oil and 1 to 2 tbsp harissa (based on spice preference). Toss to coat.
3️⃣ Build Flavor:
- Stir garlic into the onions and cook 1 min.
- Add spices & 1 to 2 tbsp harissa, stir to coat.
- Stir in rinsed rice, cooking 1 min until coated in spices.
- Add dates, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Pour in 1 1/3 cups water, stir in bay leaf & 1/2 tsp salt.
4️⃣ Bake:
- Nestle chicken pieces over rice.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake uncovered for 40 min, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve:
- Remove from oven and scatter chopped pistachios over the top.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg