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I feel like everyone is in need of a good, quick and easy dinner.
We are in that final week before the holiday craziness that is Thanksgiving begins, and let’s be honest, as much as we all love thinking about Thanksgiving and what we’ll be making/eating (or maybe that’s just me), we also HAVE to eat in the meantime. <–whoa, crazy run on sentence…my grammar is highly embarrassing.
So that clearly means we need easy meals. Life is busy and easy meals are where it’s at right now. I mean, right?!?
No really, life is so busy and for someone who does not know how to use the word NO it’s exceptionally busy. Especially during this special, most awesome time of year. I love it and hate it at the same time.
UGH. The life of a yes, yes, yes, new idea, yes, person. <– that’s me.
But also, I think I would go insane if I wasn’t doing something like ALL the time. Or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. I also keep telling myself that if there’s one new goal that I make super important for myself it’s getting enough sleep…unfortunately…not doing so hot on this task. Oops! I am trying (well not really), but sometimes I lay in bed and my brain just won’t turn off. I think about recipes, photos, tasks to do, comments, emails (ugh) and new ideas. I have decided I have some serious issues.
I am only twenty-flippin-two. What twenty-two year old thinks this way? Or even thinks this much?
I wonder…
Also, I think I might be at my most creative/imaginative peak during the months of November + December. My brain just wanders like a like a little kid. Thinking up one holiday thing after another.
It’s actually stressing me out that I don’t have enough time do all the fun things I have come up with.
Again, weirdo issues here for sure.
Double also, my dad told me the other day that this time of year is really hard for some people. I could not believe this. Sorry if I am being insensitive to anyone, it’s just that this is the happiest two months of the year for me. NO JOKE.
Wow, I am such a dork. I should probably not be allowed to ramble like this. I better talk about this Crockpot Honey Harissa Chicken already before I loose you guys for good!
Wait, did I lose you?!? HOLD ON.
We have a serious chicken dinner situation that needs to be discussed.
This chicken here?? it’s the best! It’s so simple and easy… and so flavorful… even pretty dang healthy too! Yeah, fist pump! Wow, my dorkiness is really shining through today like no other!
Here’s the deal. You add everything to the crockpot (well not the ingredients for the rice), cover and cook on low and slow until you are ready for dinner. The chicken is spicy, but sweet and tangy too, which you all know is one of my all time favorite combos. It’s a mix of Moroccan, Indian and then a little Tieghan…oh wait, that’s not a flavor. Hmm, maybe I should make it one, like a Tieghan’s Spice??
Nah, that’s just too weird, even for me.
Point is, this chicken is awesome and I really hope you make it… like this week or next, the sooner the better.
AND of course, don’t forget the rice cause… CARBS. You really can’t live without carbs. Or maybe YOU can, but I can’t. My mom taught me to embrace them. Especially carbs in the form of rice, pasta and bread. This rice in particular is one of my favorites…obviously. You guys know how obsessed I am with pomegranates. I do think they are one of my favorite fruits. I even find de-seeding them soothing, I think it calms me.
And now I am done. Hoping all this weirdness going on with my thoughts today will be gone tomorrow. I blame it all on Monday. <–Always blame Monday, duh.
And then make this Crockpot Harissa Chicken with pretty jeweled pomegranate rice. It will make everything all good again!
Crockpot Honey Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas, Feta and Jeweled Pomegranate Rice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup [harissa | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemade-harissa-spicy-red-pepper-sauce/]
- 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2-4 tablespoons honey (depending on your taste, I used 3 tablespoons)
- 1 in chipotle chile adobo, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon stick or 1/2 cinnamon
- 2-4 carrots, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 1/2-2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs OR boneless chicken breasts
- pepper, to taste
- 1 ounce can chickpeas, drained + rinsed, 14
- chopped cilantro + mint, for serving
- feta cheese, fro topping
Jeweled Pomegranate Rice
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron, optional
- 1-2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup roasted, salted pistachios
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- zest from 1 orange
- arils from one pomegranate
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- In the bowl of a crockpot (oven directions in the notes), combine the harissa, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, chipotle chile, ginger and garlic. Add the cinnamon stick, carrots, bell pepper and chicken toss with the sauce to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours.
- Just before serving, preheat the broiler to HIGH. Carefully remove the chicken from the sauce and place on a greased baking sheet. Place under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the chicken is crisp and golden. Watch close as the broiler works FAST.
- Stir the chickpeas and chicken back into the sauce. Warm through, about 5 minutes. Serve with the jeweled pomegranate rice (recipe below) and fresh cilantro + mint and feta cheese.
Jeweled Pomegranate Rice
- Add the coconut milk and water to a medium size pot. Bring to a low boil and then add the rice + saffron. Stir to combine, then place the lid on the pot and turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible. Allow the rice to cook ten minutes on low and then turn the heat off completely and let the rice sit on the stove, covered for another 15-20 minutes (don't take any peeks inside!). After 15-20 minutes remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. When ready to eat, drizzle in 1-2 tablespoons molasses. Stir in the the butter, pistachios, almonds, orange zest and all the pomegranate arils. *Once the pomegranate arils are added, the rice should be eaten right away. Just a note, rice can cook differently for everyone, this is just what works for me.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
But really, this chicken? that rice? it’s everything Monday (or any day) NEEDS – trust me!
P.S. Sorry if this post made you want to pull your hair out. Tomorrow I have chocolate to share so I should be on my A game – COOL. And maybe tomorrow we’ll chat about my little brother, and him not being able to make a grilled cheese at fifteen. Pampered much? I think so. Am I jealous? Possibly.
That is a perfect meal on any night and hey…to entertain with also. You never cease to amaze me with your crazy good creations.
Thank you so much! Hope you are having a great week!
Tieghan! This recipe sounds amazing and is making me drool just reading it! I love all your posts… You’ve got an amazing talent going on here! The only question I have is… I’ve looked at the grocery store before for chipotle chili in Adobo…(I live on a tiny Island called Prince Edward Island in Canada…grocery stores are getting more diverse… But still lack some ingredients I want to get my hands on)…And can’t find it?. What would you suggest as a substitute? If there is one? Thanks!
Ashlee! Wow, thank you so much for these kind words!!
Just add a pinch of cayenne pepper or omit the peppers all together. Not a huge deal. Hope you love this. THANKS!
Gurl, yes, yes, yes to this crockpot magic. And totes with you on these being two of the best months of the year (January is also one of my favorites)! Also, those pom wedges are GORGE!!!!
Thanks Alana!! I love January too! It’s also so wintery perfect. Plus, it’s a birthday month for my mom, so that is fun! 🙂
It’s my family’s birthday month (well there are only three of us, but all three of us have January birthdays!) High five to your mama for being a part of the January birthday club!
YEAH! 🙂
I’ve never seen a quick and easy dinner that looks this good. Amazing!!
Thanks Matt!
I am more than a little jealous of all these Thanksgiving cooking and baking ideas – even if it is a super busy time for you guys! We don’t celebrate it here in NZ, and I had never thought twice about it until this year seeing everybody’s beautiful blog recipes. Like over here, pumpkin and pecan pies are just NOT a thing at all – so different! Lucky this chicken doesn’t have to be limited to Thanksgiving – I love all the middle eastern flavours going on and how easy it is to put together! Feta, pomegranate and harissa are some of my absolute fave ingredients so can’t wait to give it a go. And thanks for the instructions for those of us that are currently crockpot-less!! <3
Thanks Claudia!! 🙂 Hope you lave the chicken!
This sounds like the perfect way to spice up a weeknight chicken dinner! 🙂
Dani | http://www.styledvariety.com
Thanks Dani!! Have a great Week!!
There’s nothing wrong being happy and excited for the holidays. The world needs more hapiness and cheerfulness in this cold gloomy days considering what’s going on around the world… Keep on shining gurl! Those photos though… stunning!!!
Would love to make this for dinner this week. A big problem of mine is my husband being not a fan of spicy food. I like the sound of “harissa”, never had it. How spicy is it? Perhaps I can reduce it to 1/4 cup and let my hubby deal with it! ?
Thanks for this wonderful diner idea Tieghan!
I could not agree more!! and THANK YOU!!!
So you can get spicy or medium harissa, get medium and yes, you can reduce it to 1/4 cup. That should be great! Hope you all love it and thank you so much for your kind words! You made my night!!
Its the holiday madness that brings out the crazy business that everyone is experiencing, me included. I love that this gorgeous chicken dish can be made in the slow cooker.
It really does, right!?!
Thanks Nicole!
EVERYTHING about this is just stunning and soooo damn yummy looking! killin’ it as always T x
Wow! Thank you!! I despised the photos, but so happy you love them and the recipe!!
Wow this chicken looks delicious!! I’m all about pomegranates these days now they are in season and all over the grocery stores in my area (FINALLY!) Really getting into this one pot/slow cooker meals for fall. I’m adding this to my list of must-tries for next week!
I am ALL about pomegranates too! 🙂
Thanks Taylor! Hope you have a great week!
I am so in need of a great dinner and this is it! Love these flavors and all those bright pops of color, so pretty!
Thank you so much, Laura! Hope you had a great Monday!
this meal. it’s almost too pretty to eat. But i will! gladly! DIVINE!
Looks absolutely scrumptious! Chicken, rice and Pomegranate, all I need in a meal!?
Thanks so much! Hope you had a great Monday!
Looks stunning and sounds amazing. I’m just gonna get myself a crock pot so I can make this dish!
haha! Thank you so much! I included oven directions for those of you without crockpots! 🙂
This looks so good and like the perfect meal to make during this BUSY time! I feel like people always forget, there is plenty of good food to be enjoyed all the other days of November too. It’s not just Thanksgiving! I love the pomegranate in this. Is there a prettier fruit?? I don’t think so.
Yes! I completely agree!! Dinners are important too! 🙂
Thanks Chelsea!