Harissa Chicken with Lime Sauce

Keto Harissa Chicken with Lime Sauce is a dish that combines heat, zest, and creaminess in one easy recipe. The smoky spice in the harissa paste complements the brightness of the lime, providing a balance that keeps each bite intriguing. Grill the chicken thighs to make them brown and perfectly roasted, and have them with tangy lime sauce. The sauce is rich but not heavy because of a combination of chicken broth, lime juice, & cream. This Harissa Chicken with Lime Sauce is both keto-friendly and naturally low in carbs. Serve it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted veggies for a balanced, healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS

STATS:

• Caloric content: 320 kcal
• Preparation duration: 10 minutes
• Portion size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
• Cooking duration: 25 minutes
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean fusion
• Overall time: 35 minutes
• Course: Main course
• Diet: Keto
• Serving: Four

EQUIPMENT:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Baking sheet or skillet
• Small saucepan
• Knife and cutting board

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
• 2 tbsp. harissa paste
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. smoke paprika
• 2 cloves of garlic
• One lime juice and zest
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp. heavy cream
• 1 tbsp. butter
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh cilantro

INGREDIENT NOTES:

CHICKEN THIGHS:

• Chicken thighs are the ideal cut for this recipe because they stay juicy and the skin crisps up nicely when roasted. Their rich flavor complements the pungent spices.

HARISSA PASTE:

• Harissa paste is the star of the meal, adding smoky intensity and depth. A mixture of chili paste, cumin, garlic, and paprika works well as a substitute if it’s not available.

OLIVE OIL:

• Olive oil ensures that the marinade coats the chicken evenly and provides healthy fats for keto. It also aids in browning when searing chicken. Avocado oil is another great low-carb option.

SMOKED PAPRIKA:

• Smoked paprika deepen the taste and provides the smoky flavor. Use regular paprika if you like a less spicy dish. It also imparts a warm color to the chicken.

GARLIC:

• Garlic adds a strong, savory touch to the marinade, brightening its overall flavor. Fresh garlic is best for the taste. It also mixes beautifully with the lime sauce.

LIME JUICE:

• The lime adds brightness, which balances the harissa smoky heat. Lemon juice and zest maximize the citrus flavor.

CHICKEN BROTH:

• Chicken broth serves as the foundation for lime sauce, keeping it from tasting too thick. Use the vegetable broth instead if you prefer a lighter sauce.

HEAVY CREAM:

• Heavy cream gives the lime sauce a silky, rich texture without dominating the flavors. It keeps the sauce keto-friendly by including healthy fats.

BUTTER:

• We use butter to make the smooth sauce texture. It also intensifies the citrus notes of the lime. Ghee is an excellent replacement that remains keto-friendly.

CILANTRO:

• Cilantro contributes both freshness and color as a garnish. It counterbalances the heat with herbal brightness. Parsley is a mild and acceptable substitute if you aren’t a fan.

Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. We can warm-up the oven at 400 ° F.
2. Then we stir the black pepper, harissa paste, paprika powder, olive oil, and garlic in a dish.
3. Now we can warm-up the griddle on medium flame.
4. Sear the chicken from the skin side facing downwards for three minutes on every side to make it brown.
5. Add the chicken to the dish and bake for twenty minutes so the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
6. Grab a saucepan and add the lime juice, chicken broth, lime zest, and simmer for three to four minutes.
7. Add the cream and butter to the chicken broth and season it with black pepper and salt.
8. When the chicken gets baked, let it sit for five minutes.
9. We garnish the chicken with cilantro.
10. Serve this Harissa Chicken with Lime Sauce.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

VEGETABLE SIDES:

• Cauliflower Rice
• Zucchini Noodles
• Grilled Asparagus
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Sautéed Spinach

SALADS:

• Cucumber Avocado Salad
• Greek Salad
• Arugula Feta Salad
• Spinach and Walnut Salad

SAUCES & DIPS:

• Garlic Aioli
• Keto Ranch Dressing
• Tahini Sauce
• Breads & Wraps
• Almond Flour Flatbread
• Keto Garlic Bread
• Coconut Flour Tortillas

BEVERAGES:

• Sparkling Lime Water
• Unsweetened Iced Tea
• Keto Lemonade

TIPS:

• We marinate the chicken for around thirty minutes to make it flavorful.
• Broil the chicken for two minutes at the end so it gets crispier.
• Monitor the chicken with a kitchen thermometer.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Put the remaining chicken dish in a closed dish and store it for three days.

FREEZER:

• Freeze the chicken without sauce for two months in a closed box.

FAQs:

Can we make use of chicken breast to make this dish?

• We can make this dish with chicken breast, but it cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it.

Is harissa chicken spicy?

• This dish contains mild spice, and the spice content depends on the harissa pasta. Add the paste according to your preference.

Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Net carbs: 3 g

Vitamin A: 0.7 g

Iron: 2.1 g

Total carbs: 4 g

Calories: 320 kcal

Fiber: 1 g

Protein: 28 g

Sodium: 580 g

Calcium: 0.6 g

Serving size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce

Potassium: 420 g