Cava Chicken Recipe

Love the vibrant flavors of Cava but want to recreate that Mediterranean magic at home? This Cava chicken recipe brings your favorite restaurant flavors right to your kitchen, featuring the perfect blend of harissa paste and honey that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary weeknight dinner. Inspired by the popular chain’s signature dish, our version combines the sweet and spicy kick of harissa honey chicken with fresh Mediterranean ingredients for a meal that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to make.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe hits all the right notes. The star of the show is the harissa paste, a North African chili paste that adds depth and complexity without overwhelming heat. When paired with honey, it creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, giving you that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that Cava fans know and love.

Ready to discover how easy it is to bring these bold Mediterranean flavors home? Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing Cava chicken recipe that’s about to become your new weeknight favorite.

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Key Benefits

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this Cava-inspired chicken recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation:

Perfect Balance of Flavors The magical combination of harissa paste and honey creates a perfectly balanced glaze that’s both sweet and spicy. The harissa paste adds a complex depth of flavor with its blend of chilies, garlic, and aromatic spices, while the honey provides a natural sweetness that helps caramelize the chicken to golden perfection.

Weeknight-Friendly Despite its impressive flavor profile, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The marinade can be prepared ahead of time, and the cooking process is straightforward enough for cooks of any skill level.

Versatile and Meal-Prep Friendly This Cava chicken recipe works beautifully in various dishes:

• Grain bowls with quinoa or rice
• Fresh Mediterranean salads
• Warm pita sandwiches
• Protein-packed meal prep containers

Health-Conscious Choice Not only is this recipe packed with flavor, but it also offers numerous nutritional benefits:

• Lean protein from the chicken
• Antioxidant-rich harissa paste
• Natural sweetness from honey instead of refined sugars
• Mediterranean-inspired ingredients known for their health benefits

Cost-Effective Making this harissa honey chicken at home costs significantly less than regular takeout orders from Cava, while still delivering those crave-worthy flavors you love. Once you stock your pantry with harissa paste, you’ll find yourself using it in countless other recipes.

Ingredients

For this delicious Cava chicken recipe, we’ll break down the ingredients into two main components: the chicken marinade and the honey harissa glaze. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that signature Mediterranean flavor you love.

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Harissa Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Extra harissa paste for serving
• Drizzle of honey

Recipe Notes:

• Look for harissa paste in the international aisle of your grocery store or Middle Eastern markets. If you can’t find it, I’ll share some substitutions in the Pro Tips section.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of harissa paste based on your spice preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat – you can always add more later!
• For best results, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled.

• See Also: Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Instructions

Let’s break down this Cava chicken recipe into simple, manageable steps that will ensure perfect results every time. The key to success is proper marination and careful attention to cooking temperatures.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (2-4 hours or overnight)

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper
2. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat evenly
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results)

Step 2: Prepare the Harissa Honey Glaze (10 minutes)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together harissa paste and honey until well combined
2. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and salt
3. Mix until you have a smooth, pourable consistency
4. Set aside at room temperature while cooking the chicken

Step 3: Cook the Chicken (12-15 minutes)

1. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the hot pan
4. Cook chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd!) for 5-6 minutes per batch
5. Turn pieces occasionally until golden brown and cooked through
6. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

Step 4: Add the Harissa Honey Glaze (3-5 minutes)

1. Return all chicken to the pan
2. Pour the harissa honey glaze over the chicken
3. Toss to coat evenly
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze caramelizes slightly
5. Watch carefully to prevent burning – the honey can caramelize quickly!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove from heat
2. Let rest for 2-3 minutes
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges
4. Serve with extra harissa paste on the side if desired

Visual Cues for Doneness:

• Chicken should be golden brown on the outside
• No pink in the center when cut
• Juices should run clear
• Glaze should be slightly caramelized but not burnt

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Pro Tips and Variations

Take your Cava chicken recipe to the next level with these professional tips and creative variations. Whether you’re a meal prep enthusiast or looking to switch things up, these insights will help you master this Mediterranean favorite.

Essential Pro Tips:

• Pat chicken pieces dry before marinating to help seasoning stick better
• Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking
• Let marinated chicken come to room temperature before cooking for more even results
• Use a cast-iron skillet if possible – it creates the best caramelization
• Don’t move the chicken pieces too much while cooking to achieve better browning

Smart Prep Strategies:

• Make extra harissa honey glaze and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
• Prep and freeze marinated chicken in portions for quick weeknight meals
• Double the recipe and use leftovers for meal prep throughout the week

Temperature and Timing Tricks:

• Keep an eye on your pan temperature – if it’s too hot, the honey will burn
• For extra caramelization, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes
• Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices

Delicious Variations:

Spice Level Adjustments:

• Mild: Reduce harissa paste to 1-2 tablespoons
• Medium: Keep recipe as is
• Spicy: Add an extra tablespoon of harissa paste and a pinch of cayenne
• Extra Hot: Mix in fresh minced chilies with the harissa paste

Cooking Method Alternatives:

• Grilled: Perfect for summer cookouts (grill at medium-high heat)
• Baked: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes
• Air Fryer: 380°F (193°C) for 12-15 minutes
• Sheet Pan: Roast with vegetables for an easy one-pan meal

Dietary Modifications:

• Keto: Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup
• Dairy-Free: Already compliant
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free (check harissa paste ingredients)
• Low-Carb: Use sugar-free honey alternative

Remember, recipes with harissa paste can be adjusted to your taste preferences – start with less and add more as needed.

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Serving Suggestions

Your cava chicken recipe is ready to shine, and how you serve it can take it from delicious to unforgettable! Here are some inspired ideas to make your meal a complete experience:

Perfect Pairings

• Harissa Honey Glaze: Drizzle a little extra harissa honey sauce over the chicken for a bold, sweet-spicy finish.
• Grain Bowls: Serve the chicken over fluffy quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for a hearty, balanced meal.
• Fresh Salads: Pair with a crisp Mediterranean salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
• Roasted Veggies: Complement the dish with roasted carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for a cozy, flavorful side.

Creative Twists

• Wraps or Pitas: Slice the chicken and stuff it into warm pita bread with tzatziki, lettuce, and pickled onions for a quick handheld meal.
• Harissa Chicken Bowls: Create a vibrant bowl with the chicken, hummus, tabbouleh, and a dollop of harissa paste for extra kick.
• Family-Style Platter: Arrange the chicken on a large platter with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and a side of garlic yogurt sauce for sharing.

Wine Pairings

• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay balances the richness of the cava chicken recipe.
• Red Wine: For a bolder choice, try a light Pinot Noir to complement the harissa’s smoky notes.

Kid-Friendly Options

• Mild Version: Skip the harissa paste for kids and serve the chicken with a side of honey-glazed carrots or mashed potatoes.
• Fun Shapes: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve with dipping sauces for a playful twist.

Make It a Feast

Turn your cava chicken recipe into the star of a Mediterranean-inspired spread. Add dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, and warm pita bread for a full culinary experience.

With these serving suggestions, your cava chicken recipe will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on the table. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these ideas will elevate your meal and leave everyone asking for seconds!

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Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just mastered the cava chicken recipe, a dish that’s as flavorful as it is versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

• Effortless Elegance: With simple ingredients like chicken and harissa paste, this dish delivers gourmet flavors without the fuss.
• Customizable: From adjusting the spice level to pairing it with your favorite sides, this recipe adapts to your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of smoky harissa and sweet honey makes this harissa honey chicken a hit with both adults and kids.

A Final Tip

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Cooking is all about creativity, so feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or sides. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, explore other recipes with chicken and harissa paste to keep your meals exciting.

Share the Love

If you enjoyed this cava chicken recipe, share it with friends and family! Food tastes better when it’s made with love and shared with others. And don’t forget to let us know how it turned out—your feedback inspires us to keep creating delicious, easy-to-follow recipes just like this one.

Happy cooking, and here’s to many more flavorful adventures in your kitchen!

FAQs

Got questions about the cava chicken recipe? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries to help you nail this dish and make it your own:

If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out! Cooking should be fun and stress-free, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Happy cooking!