Description
Creamy Harissa Corn Chicken is a bold one-pan skillet dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a smoky, spicy harissa cream sauce with sweet corn, garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. This flavorful fusion dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or fire-roasted)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Crumbled feta cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
- Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Mix in the harissa paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the corn and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly roasted.
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with parsley, cilantro, and crumbled feta if desired. Serve with rice, orzo, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Fire-roasted corn adds extra smoky flavor.
- Adjust the amount of harissa paste to suit your preferred spice level.
- Freshly grated Parmesan creates the smoothest cream sauce.
- Baby spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes for added vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean Fusion