Harissa Chicken Cups

Harissa is one of my favorite seasoning profiles. I love the smoky, spicy flavor, the aromatic memories of Northern Africa, and how the seasoning adds depth to whatever you use it in. These keto harissa chicken cups will delight your tastebuds all the way.

Even better, these make use of cauliflower rice and crisp lettuce cups, so you get a nice contrast of flavors and textures. They are crunchy, savory and spicy- just how I like it! You can ton down the spice by using less paste or add a little greek yogurt dressing.

I like to serve the dish family style and give everyone several lettuce cups on their plates. They can add as much or as little as they prefer! I like to make this dish when I am entertaining because its such a delicious and exotic dish plus having it be keto friendly allows me to show off my skills and diet at the same time.

So many people are shocked to know all the amazing foods you can actually eat while on the ketogenic diet. I love that you can have deliciously rich and creamy dishes as well as ultra flavorful and exceptional meals, including dessert! Very few diets in my past have allowed me to eat so well and helped me lose the weight.

Give this recipe a try- its much easier than you think (and remember, I am not an awesome cook so if I can do it- so can you!!)

HARISSA CHICKEN CUPS

Category: Dinner Calorie Count: 496 Macronutrient ratio: Carb-induced calories—6% Protein: 33 grams Carbohydrates: 7 grams Total Fat: 36 grams

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup butter or bacon fat
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs skinless, boneless, sliced
• 1/4 cup harissa paste
• 4 cups cauliflower rice
• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoon parsley chopped
• 1 head lettuce iceberg or other
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 sliced lime

Instructions

 

• Grease a large pan with butter over medium-high heat. Add your chicken strips and cook 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, before adding your harissa paste, lime slices and cooking another 5 minutes.
  
• Add your cauliflower rice and cook an additional 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently and seasoning with salt to taste.
  
• Remove from heat and mix in the parsley before plating with the lettuce, either in cups or on leaves, according to your preference. Top with your chicken, drizzle with olive oil, and serve.
  

Notes

Taste your harissa paste before using and modify accordingly to your preferences; some harissa pastes are far spicier than others, so use according to your desired preference. It may take a couple of attempts to get your spice balance down, but once you do, this will likely be a recipe you come back to time and time again. You can also make your own harissa paste if you so prefer; there are some great harissa recipes out there, and once you get your recipe down, you'll know exactly what to expect each time you use it. (My recipe is pretty spicy, but your version doesn't have to be.) You can also bake the tenders if you prefer; simply preheat the oven to 400 F and bake 20-25 minutes.

Tools Needed:

• Large frying pan
• Spatula
• Serving plate