While the exact Cava Chicken Seasoning Recipe for Cava’s all chicken isn’t publicly available, I can provide you with a close approximation based on common Mediterranean flavors and insights shared by enthusiasts online. This is also called Cava Harissa Chicken Seasoning or Harissa Paste.
Cava’s chicken is known for its bold, tangy, and slightly spicy profile, often featuring ingredients like harissa, honey, and a blend of spices.
Below is a recipe inspired by these elements, particularly their popular harissa honey chicken, which you can tweak to suit your taste.
Why this Cava Chicken Seasoning is so special?
This Cava Chicken Seasoning is special because it perfectly balances smoky, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors in one easy mix. The harissa paste adds a deep, warm heat, while honey brings subtle sweetness.
Smoked paprika and cumin enhance the richness, and lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty kick. It’s incredibly versatile-perfect for grilling, roasting, or pan-searing chicken. Plus, it’s quick to make and can be stored for later use.
Whether you’re making Cava Grilled Chicken, Honey Harissa Chicken, or Lemon Chicken, this seasoning transforms simple chicken into a Mediterranean masterpiece!
Ingredients Required for Cava Chicken Seasoning Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Cava Chicken Seasoning
- ¼ cup harissa paste – The heart of this seasoning, adding heat and depth.
- ¼ cup honey – Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika – Adds a warm, smoky flavor.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin – Brings in earthy richness.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle peppery kick.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens up the mix with a fresh citrus note.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For an aromatic and savory depth.
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Garlic press (optional, for mincing garlic)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (this is a seasoning mix)
Yield: Enough to season 4-6 chicken breasts or thighs
How to Make Cava Chicken Seasoning?
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Cava Chicken Seasoning at home
1. Whisk It All Together
In a large bowl, add the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Use a whisk to blend everything until it forms a smooth, well-mixed marinade.
2. Your Seasoning Is Ready
Once combined, your Cava Chicken Seasoning is ready to use immediately. If you’re not using it right away, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Which Cava Dish Suites best with this Seasoning?
This seasoning suites with all cava chicken recipes, once you have this, you will be the master of all cava style chicken recipes.
1. Cava Grilled Chicken
Coat chicken breasts in the seasoning and grill until juicy and charred.
2. Cava Harissa Chicken
Marinate chicken thighs in the seasoning for a few hours, then bake or pan-sear.
3. Cava Honey Harissa Chicken
Add extra honey for a touch more sweetness and roast until caramelized.
4. Cava Spicy Chicken
Toss the seasoning with Cava Spicy Chicken, cook in a skillet, and serve over rice or salad.
5. Cava Lemon Chicken
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seasoned chicken before grilling for extra brightness.
Some Tips on This Cava Chicken Seasoning Recipe
1. Use Good-Quality Harissa
Not all harissa pastes are the same! Some are super spicy, while others are mild. Taste yours first and adjust the amount if needed. If it’s too spicy, add a little extra honey to balance it out.
2. Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice
I know it’s just one tablespoon, but that little bit of citrus brightens up all the flavors! It helps balance the spice and makes the chicken taste fresh and zesty.
3. Let the Chicken Marinate for Extra Flavor
Sure, you can cook it right away, but if you let the chicken sit in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight!), the flavors soak in better, making every bite more delicious.
4. Use Fresh Garlic for the Best Taste
I know, it’s tempting to grab the pre-minced garlic from the jar, but fresh garlic makes a huge difference. It gives the seasoning a more vibrant, punchy flavor.
5. Add a Little Olive Oil for a Better Marinade
If you’re using this seasoning as a marinade, mixing in a tablespoon of olive oil helps coat the chicken evenly and keeps it juicy when cooking.
6. Don’t Overcook Your Chicken!
Nobody likes dry chicken! If you’re grilling or pan-searing, cook chicken breasts until they reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Use a meat thermometer if you have one – it’s a game-changer!
7. Try It on Other Meats and Veggies
This seasoning isn’t just for chicken. It tastes amazing on shrimp, salmon, and even roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or cauliflower. Get creative with it!
8. Want More Heat? Add a Pinch of Chili Flakes
If you like your food spicy, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or extra harissa. But start small – it’s always easier to add more heat than to fix something too spicy!
How to Store Cava Chicken Seasoning Properly
In the fridge: Store leftover seasoning in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
For meal prep: Marinate chicken ahead of time and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and grill or bake as usual.
Cava Chicken Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup harissa paste
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Use a whisk to blend everything until it forms a smooth, well-mixed marinade.
- Once combined, your Cava Chicken Seasoning is ready to use immediately. If you’re not using it right away, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Cava Chicken Seasoning Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cava Chicken Seasoning Recipe that people often ask.
1. What is the best seasoning for chicken?
From our experience, the best chicken seasoning depends on the flavor profile you love. But if you want something bold, smoky, slightly spicy, and full of Mediterranean flavor, this Cava Chicken Seasoning is unbeatable! The harissa paste, honey, smoked paprika, and cumin create the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and warmth.
2. What is chicken seasoning made of?
A good chicken seasoning usually includes a mix of spices, salt, and sometimes an acid (like lemon juice) to enhance flavor. Our Cava Chicken Seasoning is a blend of harissa paste, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and garlic. It creates a deep, rich taste that makes chicken irresistible!
3. How to make a chicken spice rub?
We’ve tested many spice rubs, and the key is to balance flavors. Here’s what we do:
- Mix dry spices first (like smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper).
- Add wet ingredients (like harissa, honey, and lemon juice) to turn it into a paste.
- Rub it generously over your chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor!
4. How to season chicken correctly?
From our experience, even seasoning and marination time make all the difference. Here’s our method:
- Pat the chicken dry first-this helps the seasoning stick better.
- Rub the seasoning evenly on all sides.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) for the flavors to fully absorb.
- Cook it at the right temperature-high heat for grilling or a slow roast for deeper flavor.
5. Can I use this seasoning on other meats?
Absolutely! We’ve tried this seasoning on lamb, shrimp, and even roasted vegetables, and it works beautifully. The smoky harissa and honey combination is versatile and adds a Mediterranean twist to almost anything.
6. Is this seasoning spicy?
It has a little heat, thanks to the harissa paste, but it’s more of a warm, smoky spice rather than an overpowering burn. If you love extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra harissa! If you prefer milder flavors, use less harissa and a bit more honey to balance it out.
7. Can I make this seasoning in advance?
Yes! We often make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container. If you want to meal prep, you can coat the chicken and freeze it for up to 3 months-just thaw and cook when ready!
8. What’s the best way to cook Cava-seasoned chicken?
We’ve tested different methods, and here’s what we recommend:
- Grilled – Best for that smoky, charred flavor.
- Baked – Great for juicy, tender chicken with a slightly caramelized crust.
- Pan-seared – Quick and gives the chicken a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Air-fried – A healthier option that still delivers crispiness!
9. Can I use this seasoning for vegetarian dishes?
Yes! We’ve used it on roasted chickpeas, grilled tofu, cauliflower, and eggplant, and it tastes amazing. The smoky, sweet, and spicy mix adds a bold flavor to plant-based dishes.
10. What should I serve with Cava-seasoned chicken?
We love pairing it with:
- Mediterranean rice or quinoa
- Hummus and pita bread
- Grilled veggies
- A fresh Greek salad
- Tzatziki sauce for dipping
These sides balance out the bold flavors of the chicken perfectly!
This Cava Chicken Seasoning Recipe is the secret ingredient to creating restaurant-quality Cava-style chicken at home. With its smoky, spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled, roasted, or pan-seared chicken.
Try it out today and elevate your home-cooked meals with authentic Mediterranean flavors!
Want more delicious recipes? Let me know in the comments! Happy cooking!
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