Crockpot Honey Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas, Feta, and Pomegranate
Try this Crockpot Honey Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas, Feta, and Pomegranate recipe.
Try this Crockpot Honey Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas, Feta, and Pomegranate recipe.
- salt to taste
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- pepper to taste
- 1 chipotle chile in adobo minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- arils from one pomegranate
- zest from 1 orange
- 1-2 tablespoons molasses
- 1/2 cup [harissa | http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemad
- 2-4 tablespoons honey (depending on your taste i used 3 tablespoons)
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2-4 carrots, chopped
- 1 1/2-2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or boneless chicken
- 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas drained + rinsed
- chopped cilantro + mint for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron (optional)
- 1/3 cup roasted salted pistachios
- Carbohydrate 6.83002417025191 g
- Cholesterol 15.2515625065405 mg
- Fat 22.011414804362 g
- Fiber 2.11464579185252 g
- Protein 4.81143229688641 g
- Saturated Fat 14.6544458439347 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (187g)
- Sodium 1798.07216894013 mg
- Sugar 4.71537837839939 g
- Trans Fat 1.42777062579297 g
- Calories 231 calories
Step-by-step
- In the bowl of a crockpot, combine the harissa, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, chipotle chile, ginger, and garlic. Add the cinnamon stick, carrots, bell pepper, and chicken; toss with the sauce to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours.
- Just before serving, preheat the broiler to HIGH. Carefully remove the chicken from the sauce and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Place under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the chicken is crisp and golden. Watch closely as the broiler works FAST.
- Stir the chickpeas and chicken back into the sauce. Warm through, about 5 minutes.
- Serve with the jeweled pomegranate rice (recipe below) and fresh cilantro + mint.
- Jeweled Pomegranate Rice: Add the coconut milk and water to a medium-size pot. Bring to a low boil, then add the rice and saffron. Stir to combine, then place the lid on the pot and turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible.
- Allow the rice to cook ten minutes on low, then turn the heat off completely and let the rice sit on the stove, covered, for another 15-20 minutes (don't peek!).
- After 15-20 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
- When ready to eat, drizzle in 1-2 tablespoons of molasses. Stir in the butter, pistachios, almonds, orange zest, and all the pomegranate arils. Once the pomegranate arils are added, the rice should be eaten right away.
A Weeknight Wonder: Crockpot Honey Harissa Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner often feels like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the idea of spending hours in the kitchen is, frankly, exhausting. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of crockpot recipes – they’re my secret weapon for effortless weeknight meals.
This Crockpot Honey Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas, Feta, and Pomegranate is a testament to the power of slow cooking. The flavors meld beautifully during the cooking process, creating a depth and richness that you just can't achieve with quicker methods. The tender chicken, infused with the fragrant spices of harissa and the sweetness of honey, is a true delight. The addition of chickpeas adds a hearty protein boost, while the creamy feta and juicy pomegranate arils provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich sauce. It's a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's minimal prep work involved – just chop a few vegetables, toss everything into the crockpot, and let it simmer away while you tend to other things. I usually start it in the morning before work, and by the time dinner rolls around, the house is filled with the most amazing aroma, promising a delicious and stress-free meal. The slight char from broiling the chicken adds a delightful textural contrast, making it even more appealing.
Beyond the Recipe: A Celebration of Flavor and Convenience
This recipe is more than just a quick and easy dinner; it's a celebration of flavors. The harissa paste, with its vibrant blend of spices, is the star of the show, bringing a warm and inviting depth to the dish. The sweetness of the honey perfectly complements the spice, while the chickpeas add a satisfying texture and a boost of protein. And let's not forget the pomegranate, a jewel-toned fruit bursting with refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish.
This dish is incredibly versatile too. You can easily adapt it to your own taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables – butternut squash or sweet potatoes would be delicious additions. You can also adjust the amount of honey to your liking, depending on how sweet you prefer your chicken. The beauty of crockpot cooking is that it allows for customization and experimentation.
Serving Suggestions:
While this dish is delicious on its own, it’s even better when paired with some sides. I love serving it with a simple side of couscous or quinoa, which soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette is another great accompaniment. The jeweled pomegranate rice included in the recipe is a perfect match, adding a beautiful visual appeal and complementary flavors.
More Than Just a Meal: A Time Saver
In the whirlwind of modern life, finding time for healthy and delicious home-cooked meals can feel like a luxury. But this Crockpot Honey Harissa Chicken recipe proves that it doesn't have to be. It's a testament to the power of planning and utilizing simple yet effective cooking methods. By embracing slow cooking, you free up valuable time in your day, allowing you to focus on the things that truly matter – family, friends, and everything else that makes life vibrant and fulfilling.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, remember this recipe. It's a reminder that even the busiest of schedules can accommodate delicious and wholesome home-cooked meals. Give it a try, and let the delightful aroma and flavors transport you to a place of relaxation and culinary satisfaction.
