Easy Sheet Pan Harissa Orange Chicken is a bold, vibrant dinner that combines spicy harissa paste with bright citrusy orange flavor—all cooked on one pan for effortless cleanup. Juicy chicken roasts alongside caramelized edges while the sweet-and-spicy sauce thickens beautifully in the oven, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal work.
This sheet pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want big flavor without standing over the stove. With simple ingredients and hands-off cooking, Easy Sheet Pan Harissa Orange Chicken is a reliable go-to for fast, flavorful dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sheet Pan Harissa Orange Chicken
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup
- Perfect balance of spicy and sweet
- Juicy, tender chicken every time
- Ready in under 45 minutes
- Great for meal prep
- Customizable spice level
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love bold flavors but want a low-effort dinner, this recipe is for you. Roasting everything on a single sheet pan allows the chicken to caramelize while soaking up the harissa-orange sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Harissa Orange Sauce
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Optional Add-Ins
- Red onion wedges
- Carrot slices
- Bell peppers
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Orange slices
How to Make Easy Sheet Pan Harissa Orange Chicken
Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2 — Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and place on the sheet pan. Season with salt, black pepper, and olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
Step 3 — Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together harissa paste, orange juice, orange zest, honey, garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and cumin.
Step 4 — Coat the Chicken
Pour the harissa orange sauce over the chicken and toss until well coated. Add vegetables if using and spread everything in an even layer.
Step 5 — Roast
Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
Step 6 — Finish and Serve
Remove from oven and spoon pan juices over the chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs or orange slices before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 38g
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Harissa Orange Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
- Adjust harissa based on spice preference
- Spread chicken in a single layer
- Use fresh orange juice for best flavor
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra caramelization
Variations & Substitutions
- Use bone-in chicken (increase cook time)
- Make it vegan with cauliflower or chickpeas
- Add potatoes to make it a full meal
- Swap orange for blood orange or clementine
- Add chili flakes for extra heat
What to Serve With Harissa Orange Chicken
- Steamed rice or jasmine rice
- Couscous or quinoa
- Roasted vegetables
- Flatbread or naan
- Simple cucumber salad
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan
- Using bottled orange juice only
- Not flipping chicken halfway
- Overcooking lean chicken breasts
- Skipping parchment paper
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the oven or microwave
- Freeze for up to 2 months
Conclusion
Easy Sheet Pan Harissa Orange Chicken is a bold, flavorful dinner that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort. Sweet, spicy, and beautifully caramelized, this one-pan recipe is perfect for busy nights when you still want something exciting and satisfying on the table.
General Information
- Course: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is harissa very spicy?
Spice level varies by brand. Start with less and adjust to taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats well and is great for meal prep.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Carrots, potatoes, and peppers work well.