What To Serve With Harissa Chicken (17 Side Dishes)

Harissa chicken is a vibrant and tantalising dish that brings the warmth of North African spices to your dinner table.

The fiery harissa paste, infused with red chillies, garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs, coats succulent pieces of chicken, creating a dish that’s as flavourful as it is comforting.

Deciding what to serve alongside this centrepiece can be as simple or as creative as you like, with the aim of complementing the bold flavours and providing a balanced meal.

Looking for the quick answer? 

The best options for what to serve with harissa chicken include basmati rice, brown rice, Moroccan couscous, warm pita breads, freshly baked focaccia, roasted veggies, steamed greens, Mediterranean salads, cooling yoghurt, feta cheese, and halloumi. 

Let’s dive into these ideas and more… 

Starchy Accompaniments

Starchy sides are essential for soaking up the rich and spicy sauce of your harissa chicken, providing a balance of flavours and textures! 

Rice Varieties

Experiment with Basmati rice for its fragrant aroma and light, fluffy texture, perfect for complementing the zest of harissa.

Alternatively, brown rice offers a nutty flavour and an extra fibre boost, pairing wonderfully with the robust spices.

Couscous Delights

Opt for Moroccan couscous, which is fine and light, making it an ideal backdrop for the bold harissa flavours.

For a more substantial choice, pearl couscous with its satisfying chewy texture can absorb and amplify the spicy chicken juices.

Flavoursome Breads

Serve your meal alongside warm pita breads, effortlessly pocketed or ripped for scooping up chicken and sauce.

Or consider a freshly baked focaccia, drizzled with olive oil and herbs, to mop up the delicious juices and add a Mediterranean twist.

Vegetable Sides

Complement your harissa chicken with vibrant vegetable accompaniments that balance the dish’s heat and offer refreshing contrasts.

Roasted Vegetables

Pair your harissa chicken with an assortment of roasted vegetables to enhance the flavours.

Opt for sweet root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, which caramelise beautifully in the oven.

Toss them with olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a hint of rosemary for a delightful side.

• Ingredients:
  • Carrots
  • Parsnips
  • Olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Rosemary
• Method: Cut the vegetables into even pieces, coat in oil and seasoning, then roast until tender.

Steamed Greens

Light steamed greens lend a delicate, nutritious counterpoint to the spiciness of harissa chicken.

Try steaming fresh broccoli or green beans, then finish them with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of brightness.

• Ingredients:
  • Broccoli or green beans
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Lemon juice
• Method: Steam vegetables until al dente, drizzle with oil, and add a splash of lemon.

(Do you love serving up chicken based recipes for dinner? If so, get some inspiration with sides for king ranch chicken, sides for peppercorn chicken, and sides for mango chicken!) 

Mediterranean Salads

Refreshing Mediterranean salads are a fantastic choice for what to serve with harissa chicken.

Incorporate crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of mint or parsley to craft a salad that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.

• Ingredients:
  • Cucumber
  • Tomatoes
  • Mint or parsley
  • Optional: olives, feta cheese
• Method: Dice the vegetables, toss with herbs, and dress lightly. Add olives and feta for extra flair.

Dairy to Complement

Pairing dairy with harissa chicken can balance the dish’s heat with a touch of creaminess.

Here are a couple of dairy-based complements that work wonderfully.

Cooling Yogurt

Yogurt is a fantastic partner to spicy dishes like harissa chicken.

Opt for a generous dollop of Greek yogurt or labneh to bring a cooling contrast to your plate.

You can further enhance the yogurt by stirring in some herbs like mint or coriander for added freshness.

• Greek yogurt – plain, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs
• Labneh – drizzled with olive oil, and a pinch of salt

Cheese Pairings

Cheese can add a delightful creaminess that complements the fiery flavours of harissa.

Feta cheese: The salty tang of feta pairs nicely with the warm spices of harissa chicken. Crumble it over your dish for a pleasant textural contrast.

Halloumi: Lightly grill slices of halloumi cheese to create a deliciously chewy and slightly salty addition to your harissa chicken experience.

Refreshing Beverages

Let’s not overlook drinks when considering what to serve with harissa chicken! 

Soft Drinks

• Sparkling Water: The effervescence of sparkling water makes it an excellent choice to cleanse your palate and temper the heat of harissa.
• Lemonade: A homemade lemonade with a hint of mint is a refreshing partner for spicy dishes, providing a sweetly tart counterpoint.

Alcoholic Options

• Beer: A crisp, chilled lager can cut through the spiciness, while the carbonation helps refresh your taste buds.
• White Wine:
  • Sauvignon Blanc: A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with its herbal undertones can hold up nicely against the robust flavours of harissa chicken.
  • Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling will balance the heat and complement the chicken’s spices.

What’s your go-to choice when considering what to serve with harissa chicken? 

Share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

If you’re thinking about serving a sweet treat after your meal, head over and check out desserts for chicken for more ideas.