Des

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Harissa Chicken Wings

Harissa chicken wings are a twist on the classic game day eats! Chicken wings baked to perfection and tossed in a harissa butter sauce.

It has been a little while since I shared a chicken wing recipe. To be honest, I’ve had a hard time coming up with a different version since I have already shared so many. You know like the salt and pepper wings, sriracha wings, sweet thai chili wings, cajun wings and the spicy honey mustard wings just to name a few.

Harissa chicken wings are a twist on the classic game day eats! Chicken wings baked to perfection and tossed in a harissa butter sauce.

But alas, I’ve come up with a flavor that I haven’t used before: Harissa. Ever heard of it? I hope so. If not, you’ve been missing out. It’s ok though because I’m here to right that wrong with these Harissa Chicken Wings.

If you have never heard of harissa it is a Northwest African Chili Paste. I first used it a few years ago with some lamb and it was SO good (Note to self: Make again ASAP and share with your friends on the blog). You can find it in well stocked grocery stores and specialty markets. I found mine at Whole Foods. Or if you’ve got the time you can make your own by following this recipe from Saveur.

Whatever you do though please get your little mits on it. Just like any other hot sauce, you can add it to all kinds of dishes to spice things up. It’s great on burgers, falafel, stir fries and of course wings.  For these wings, I used it like a traditional wing sauce. Read: butter.

Glorious butter.

But unlike traditional wings, these are baked not fried so it all evens out.

That’s my story anyway and yes, I’m sticking to it.

Harissa is spicy, it is after all a chili paste, so these aren’t for the faint of heart. However, the creamy cilantro yogurt dip does cool things off nicely.

Harissa chicken wings are a twist on the classic game day eats! Chicken wings baked to perfection and tossed in a harissa butter sauce.

Harissa chicken wings are a twist on the classic game day eats! Chicken wings baked to perfection and tossed in a harissa butter sauce.

Harissa Chicken Wings

Harissa chicken wings are a twist on the classic game day eats! Chicken wings baked to perfection and tossed in a harissa butter sauce.
Prep Time 4 hrs 5 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 4 hrs 35 mins
Course Easy Appetizer Recipes, Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Servings

Ingredients
  

Harissa Chicken Wing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 pounds party wings
  • 1/2 cup harissa chili paste
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

Cilantro Yogurt Dip Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt and cinnamon. Add in wings and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  • Make the yogurt sauce by whisking all ingredients together. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Place chicken wings on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Turn and bake for another 15 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat combine harissa and butter. Cook until butter has melted.
  • Place cooked wings in a large mixing bowl. Pour harissa sauce over the top and toss to coat. {Note: works best if you use a mixing bowl with a lid because then you can shake them to coat them. } Serve with cilantro yogurt sauce.

Notes

Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: chicken, harissa, spicy, wings

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Carol
    April 11, 2018 at 8:45 pm

    Trader Joe’s sells Harissa at a great price.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      April 11, 2018 at 9:31 pm

      Good to know! Thank yoU!

  • Reply
    GiGi Eats Celebrities
    January 29, 2015 at 10:46 am

    I am sooo making this with chicken breast.. I am a breast girl ;)

  • Reply
    Sharon
    January 9, 2015 at 11:13 am

    These wings look so good! Definitely perfect for football!

  • Reply
    Melanie | Melanie Makes
    January 9, 2015 at 10:09 am

    Such gorgeous photos – I’d have these on my game day menu, pronto!

  • Reply
    Toni Dash
    January 9, 2015 at 8:16 am

    Big Game or not these are irresistible! The flavors could not be better. And your list of other wing recipes? I’m now so hungry…..

  • Reply
    Kim (Feed Me, Seymour)
    January 9, 2015 at 4:57 am

    I’m not really into football (I like it and everything, just not crazy over it) but the one thing I love about football season is the overabundance of wings! They always look so amazing and this version looks unreal!

  • Reply
    Rachel @ Baked by Rachel
    January 9, 2015 at 4:21 am

    Wings are such a classic game day food. Totally love this version!!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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