Name: Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 245 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 cup mild Harissa sauce (I like Mina); optional Tzatziki (for serving)

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Every time I prepare Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken, it reminds me of the cozy evenings spent with loved ones, sharing stories over a delightful meal. The aroma of the spices fills the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that brings everyone together. This dish is not only simple to make, but it also packs a punch with its bold flavors. I crafted this recipe after experimenting with various spices and sauces, and I must say, the Harissa adds a unique warmth that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken is sure to be a hit.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
4 hr 5 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
240 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
45 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
13 g

Tools Used:
Slow Cooker

The Best Thing About This Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken

Bold and Flavorful

The richness of the chicken combines beautifully with the spicy kick of the Harissa sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that instantly transforms a simple meal into something extraordinary.

Quick and Easy Preparation

With minimal prep time, you can throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This means more time to relax and enjoy the company of family or friends.

Great for Meal Prep

This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it stores well and can be used in various meals throughout the week. Imagine having the flavorful shredded chicken ready for tacos, salads, or sandwiches!

Versatile Serving Options

Whether you want to serve the Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken over rice, with a side of vegetables, or in a wrap, it adapts to your preferences and is suitable for any occasion.

Kid-Friendly

Despite its spicy undertones, the Harissa can be adjusted to suit milder palates, making it a family-friendly choice that kids will love as well.

Ingredients to Make Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken

To create a dish that sings with flavor, it’s essential to choose the right ingredients. Each component of this recipe plays a vital role, balancing spices with the tender chicken. The star of the show, Harissa sauce, brings a depth that harmonizes with the spices, making this a memorable meal.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The base of this dish; tender and juicy, perfect for shredding.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the mix.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall taste with a hint of savory goodness.
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
1 cup mild Harissa sauce: The key ingredient that delivers a spicy kick and complexity to the dish.
Optional: Tzatziki, for serving: A refreshing side that complements the spiciness of the chicken beautifully.

Instructions for Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken

Making Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken is a straightforward process. Follow these steps, and soon you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal that fills the house with enticing aromas. Let’s get started!

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with the ground cumin, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a little pepper. This seasoning forms a tasty base for your dish, enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
Now, place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Pour the Harissa sauce over the top, making sure the chicken is well coated to absorb all the wonderful flavors.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on HIGH for two hours or LOW for four hours. During cooking, the chicken will become tender and flavorful, perfect for shredding.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to soak up more of the Harissa sauce.
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker to mix with the sauce. This will keep the flavors intense and juicy.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a pressure cooker. Follow the same steps but cook on high pressure for 20 minutes instead. Remember to release the pressure quickly or naturally, depending on your preference.
For frozen chicken breasts, increase the pressure cooking time to 25 minutes. This ensures that even frozen pieces are perfectly cooked and tender.
Serve your Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken with a dollop of Tzatziki for a cooling contrast, or enjoy it over a bed of rice or in a wrap.
Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor!

Things Worth Knowing

Texture Check: Look for the chicken to be tender and easily shredded; it should pull apart with little effort.
Flavor Balance: If you find the dish is a bit too spicy, adding a side of Tzatziki or yogurt helps to balance the heat.
Cooking Time: Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker’s accuracy; some cook faster than others.
Serving Temperature: Ensure the chicken is hot when serving. You can keep it warm in the slow cooker for a while if needed.

Expert Tips about Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken

Getting the most out of your Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken requires a few expert tips. These suggestions will help you elevate your dish and ensure it shines every time you make it.

Storage: After cooking, let the chicken cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavor and moisture.
Freezing: You can freeze the shredded Harissa chicken for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous or quinoa for a hearty meal. Add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete plate.
Flavor Boost: For an added twist, try mixing in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out.

Accompaniments for Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken

Serving Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken can be as creative as you want it to be! Here are some wonderful ideas to enhance your meal:

Serve it with rice: A bed of fluffy rice complements the flavors beautifully. Consider using jasmine or basmati rice for an aromatic touch.
Tacos: Use the shredded chicken in corn tortillas for spicy, flavorful tacos topped with your favorite garnishes like avocado or fresh cilantro.
Wrap it up: Create a delicious wrap with lettuce, chicken, and Tzatziki for a refreshing lunch option.
Salad topper: Use the shredded chicken as a salad topper, adding crunch with nuts and freshness with seasonal greens.
Meal Prep: Pack the chicken into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Just microwave when you’re ready to eat!
Occasion: This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for busy weeks ahead. It’s versatile enough for any occasion!

FAQ

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts for Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken. Just remember to increase your cooking time in the pressure cooker to 25 minutes. For the slow cooker, you can add about 30 minutes to the cooking time. This way, you’ll achieve the same tender and flavorful results while saving time on meal prep.

Harissa sauce is a spicy and aromatic North African chili paste made from various spices, including chili peppers, garlic, and olive oil. It’s known for its deep, rich flavor that enhances any dish it touches. In Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken, it not only adds spice but also lends complexity and depth, making the chicken incredibly delicious.

If you want to reduce the spice level in your Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken, consider using a milder Harissa sauce or simply reduce the amount you use. You can also serve the dish with a cooling side, such as Tzatziki or yogurt, which will help balance the heat. Additionally, pairing it with rice or bread can also moderate the spice intensity.

There are so many delicious options to serve with Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken. You can enjoy it over fluffy rice, in tacos, or in wraps. Adding a side salad or steamed vegetables also complements the dish beautifully. If you want something lighter, consider serving it with fresh greens, topped with nuts and herbs.

Conclusion

The Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that truly stands out at any meal. With its tender chicken enveloped in the warm embrace of Harissa, it’s a dish you won’t want to miss. I encourage you to try it out for your next family dinner, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine.

Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken

The ultimate comfort food awaits with this Easy Shredded Harissa Chicken. With its tender chicken infused with spicy Harissa, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Experience the bold flavors and make it tonight!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 5

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 cup mild Harissa sauce I like Mina
optional Tzatziki for serving

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Method

Season the chicken with the cumin, garlic powder, pinch of salt, and pepper.
Place chicken in a slow cooker, pour the Harissa over the chicken, and cover. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours.
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce.
If using a pressure cooker, follow the same steps but cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Quick or natural release then shred with two forks.
If using frozen chicken breasts, cook for 25 minutes.
Serve with Tzatziki or over rice and enjoy!

Notes

Tip 1: After cooking, let the chicken cool down before transferring it to an airtight container.
Tip 2: You can freeze the shredded Harissa chicken for up to three months.
Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous or quinoa for a hearty meal.
Tip 4: For an added twist, try mixing in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Tip 5: When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.