Trader Joe’s Harissa Chicken is a delicious, spicy African-inspired dish that’s become a staple at the grocery store of my favorite time of year.
The ingredients are simple: chicken thighs, tabouleh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, pickles, carrots, red bell pepper, and generous amounts of harissa paste.
How To Make Trader Joe’s Harissa Chicken?
Ingredients for Making
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp harissa paste
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 med rib celery, thinly sliced
For the salad
- 1 cup of ripe Roma tomatoes, sliced (you can substitute with low-sugar tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup cucumber halves thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pickles (I used Daikon and Kombu Pickles)
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Directions for Making
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix harissa paste, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook for 1 min before adding celery and carrots. Stir in harissa seasoning and additional salt (to taste) if desired.
Step 3: Squeeze lemon juice over chicken thighs and set aside to marinate for 5 min before cooking it on the stovetop for about 7-8 minutes (until done).
Step 4: While the chicken thighs are cooking, prepare the salad. Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, and pickles in a large bowl.
Step 5: Preheat oven to High 400 degrees F. Grill the chicken by stovetop method until done and serve with the roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 |
| Total Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Protein | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
7 Essential Health Benefits of Trader Joe’s Harissa Chicken
1. Harissa Chicken is high in protein
The main ingredient of this dish is chicken thighs, which are a great source of protein. A 3-oz serving of this food contains 17 grams of protein. Protein is essential for maintaining and increasing muscle mass as it provides amino acids to muscles.
Moreover, it improves digestion by speeding up the rate at which food passes through your digestive tract and facilitates the absorption of nutrients from foods.
2. It has a good amount of fiber
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, Trader Joe’s Harissa Chicken is high in dietary fiber. Fibers help keep our digestive system healthy by reducing the incidence of constipation and diarrhea.
Fiber is also well-known for its ability to aid weight loss as it makes us feel fuller than foods that are low in fiber.
3. It is naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol
Heavier meats can be a challenge for most people trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. This is because they may contain high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol.
Fortunately, Trader Joe’s Harissa Chicken contains a relatively low 3 grams of saturated fat and 55 mg of cholesterol per serving, making it a good option for most people looking to lose weight or cut back on their overall dietary intake.
4. It is a good source of riboflavin
Riboflavin is a B vitamin that helps the body convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy.
It also promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails. A single serving of Trader Joe’s Harissa Chicken contains 5% of the recommended daily riboflavin intake.
Riboflavin deficiency in pregnant women can affect fetal development and cause permanent mental damage to the baby.
5. It is an excellent source of vitamin C
One serving of this dish contains 82% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin.
Vitamin C helps maintain your immune and cardiovascular systems, synthesize proteins and enhance wound healing.
6. It contains a good amount of vitamin A
The American Dietetic Association says that vitamin A plays an essential role in promoting healthy vision, skin, and cellular growth and repair.
Furthermore, vitamin A enhances the function of the immune system and makes it easier for your body to protect itself from harmful infections.
7. It is a good source of potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral that helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels throughout the day. In addition, it plays a role in regulating the heartbeat and the movement of your heart muscle.
How Spicy Is Trader Joe’s Harissa Chicken?
Harissa is a hot chili pepper paste that gives this dish its spicy kick. The heat level varies from brand to brand.
Trader Joe’s harissa paste has a mild spicy level, so for those who are not a fan of spicy food, you can always lessen the amount of harissa to your desired level or replace it with plain chili powder.
How To Store Trader Joe’s Harissa Chicken?
Harissa chicken will keep for about 3 days in the refrigerator. You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Can Kids Eat It?
Yes! This is an excellent source of protein and is ideal for your little ones as they grow.
Can It Gluten-Free?
Yes. Trader Joe’s Harissa Chicken is gluten-free by default.
Bottom Line
Harissa Chicken is a delicious recipe that you can make at home in about 20 minutes. It is an excellent dish for your family as it is high in protein and has all the essential nutrients required for good health.
It is also an excellent choice for those trying to lose weight. However, it does contain a large amount of sodium.
So you should consult your doctor before making this recipe for those who have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease.
