We know good food, and we know flavors that truly stand out. This Cava Harissa Honey Chicken recipe is one of our favorites because it brings the perfect balance of heat, spice, and sweetness. If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, you’re in the right place.
Cava Harissa Honey Chicken is flavorful dish made with harissa, a smoky chili paste, and honey, which adds a touch of sweetness. The combination creates a rich, slightly spicy, and perfectly balanced taste, like the Cava Lemon Chicken. This recipe is easy to make and brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen.
Want to know how to make it just right? Keep reading! We’ll walk you through the ingredients, the cooking process, and the best tips to get the most delicious results.
What Does Cava Harissa Honey Chicken Taste Like?
This chicken is the perfect balance of spicy, smoky, tangy, and sweet. The harissa brings a deep, smoky heat, while honey and butter create a caramelized glaze.
Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add brightness, making each bite flavorful and exciting for this Simple Cava Chicken.
Serve it over rice, in a wrap, or alongside roasted veggies for a meal that tastes like it came straight from a Mediterranean restaurant!
Ingredients Required for Cava Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Honey Harissa Chicken by Cava
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless & skinless)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons Cava Chicken Seasoning
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic (finely minced)
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instead of using multiple seasonings, you can just go with pre-made Cava Chicken Seasoning for a quicker meal.
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
✔️ Large mixing bowl
✔️ Cast iron skillet, pan, or grill
✔️ Tongs or spatula
✔️ Cutting board
✔️ Sharp knife
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Recipe for Cava Harissa Honey Chicken
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Honey Harissa Chicken in Cava Style at home
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken thighs, olive oil, harissa, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, cilantro, paprika, coriander, cumin, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken in the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms.
Step 3: Glaze with Honey & Butter
Once both sides are beautifully seared, reduce the heat to low. Add the honey and butter, letting them melt into a delicious glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
Step 4: Rest & Serve
Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a couple of minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Enjoy as is or serve in a wrap, salad, or bowl!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Cava Harissa Honey Chicken
1. Over a Fluffy Bed of Rice
Let’s start with a classic-steamed basmati or Cava Saffron Rice. The rice soaks up all that spicy-sweet sauce, making every bite juicy and flavorful. For extra goodness, drizzle a little yogurt or tzatziki on top. Ohhh, so good!
2. Stuffed Inside a Warm Pita Wrap
We’ve done this way too many times-and it never gets old. Grab a soft, warm pita, load it up with chopped chicken, crunchy cucumbers, tomatoes, and a big dollop of tzatziki. Trust me, this is next-level delicious!
3. Tossed into a Fresh Mediterranean Salad
If you’re in the mood for something light, chop up the chicken and throw it on a big bowl of greens. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta, and olives, then drizzle with a lemony dressing. Boom! The perfect healthy meal.
4. Served with Garlic Butter Naan
Picture this: warm, pillowy naan, brushed with garlic butter, and served alongside your harissa honey chicken. Rip off a piece, scoop up some chicken, and enjoy. It’s dangerously good!
5. Wrapped in a Lettuce Cup (Low-Carb Style!)
Trying to keep things light? Butter lettuce or romaine leaves make the perfect wrap for this flavorful chicken. Top with a drizzle of tahini sauce or Greek yogurt for a refreshing crunch. Tastes amazing and feels guilt-free!
6. Piled on Top of Hummus
Oh, this one is so satisfying. Spread a generous layer of creamy hummus on a plate, top it with the harissa honey chicken, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika. Scoop it up with warm pita chips-it’s addictive!
7. Mixed into a Hearty Grain Bowl
If you love meal-prep, this is the way to go. Serve the chicken over a bowl of quinoa, farro, or couscous, then add some roasted veggies and a spoonful of Greek yogurt. Healthy, filling, and ridiculously tasty.
8. As a Topping for Loaded Fries
Yep, you read that right. Crispy fries, topped with chopped harissa honey chicken, drizzled with garlic sauce or tzatziki. Add some feta crumbles for extra flair. Honestly, this should be illegal-it’s THAT good!
9. With a Side of Roasted Veggies
For a simple, wholesome meal, serve this chicken alongside roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. The natural sweetness of the veggies balances out the spicy and smoky harissa beautifully. So comforting!
10. Inside a Cheesy Quesadilla
Okay, this is a wild card, but hear me out. Chop up the chicken, toss it in a tortilla with melted cheese, and grill until golden brown. Serve with a spicy yogurt dip on the side. It’s fusion food at its finest!
Some Tips on This Cava Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
1. Let the Chicken Marinate Longer
I know, I know-waiting is hard! But if you let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight!), the flavors get deep into the meat. Totally worth it!
2. Use Chicken Thighs, Not Breasts
Chicken thighs are juicier and way more flavorful than chicken breasts. If you must use breasts, be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll turn dry.
3. Don’t Skip the Fresh Herbs
Parsley and cilantro might seem like tiny details, but they add a fresh, bright flavor. It’s a game-changer!
4. Get That Pan HOT Before Cooking
If your pan isn’t hot enough, you won’t get that beautiful golden crust. Let the pan heat up for a minute or two before adding the chicken.
5. Don’t Move the Chicken Too Soon
Let the chicken sit and sear! If you flip it too early, you won’t get that crispy, caramelized crust. Give it at least 5 minutes per side.
6. Adjust the Harissa to Your Spice Level
Harissa can be spicy! If you like it milder, start with 1-2 tablespoons instead of 3. Love the heat? Add more!
7. Add the Honey & Butter at the End
If you add honey too early, it can burn. Stir it in at the very end, and it will melt into a perfect, sticky glaze.
8. Let the Chicken Rest Before Cutting
I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but let it rest for a couple of minutes. This keeps all the juices inside, so your chicken stays tender!
9. Try Cooking It on the Grill
This recipe is amazing on the grill! It gives the chicken a smoky, charred flavor that makes it taste even better.
10. Use It in Different Ways
Don’t just eat it plain-his chicken is so good in wraps, salads, bowls, or even tacos! Make extra and use it for meal prep all week.
How to Store and Reheat Harissa Honey Chicken Properly
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Cava Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless & skinless
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons Cava Chicken Seasoning
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic finely minced
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken thighs, olive oil, harissa, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, cilantro, paprika, coriander, cumin, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).
- Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken in the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Once both sides are beautifully seared, reduce the heat to low. Add the honey and butter, letting them melt into a delicious glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a couple of minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Enjoy as is or serve in a wrap, salad, or bowl!
Video
Notes
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Common Queries on This Cava Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cava Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe that people often ask.
1. Is Cava Harissa Honey Chicken spicy?
Yes, but it’s a balanced heat! Harissa has a smoky, mild-to-medium spice level that builds as you eat. The honey helps tone down the heat, so the result is a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less harissa and adjust to taste.
2. What is Harissa Honey Chicken?
Harissa Honey Chicken is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines the smoky heat of harissa with the sweetness of honey. It’s juicy, flavorful, and has that delicious caramelized glaze from the honey and butter. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home!
3. Is Harissa Honey Chicken from Cava healthy?
Yes! This dish is packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory spices like cumin and coriander. Harissa is made from red chili peppers, which contain antioxidants, and honey adds natural sweetness without refined sugar. Pair it with a salad or whole grains for a balanced, nutritious meal.
4. Is harissa honey spicy?
A little! Harissa itself has a moderate spice level, but when combined with honey, it mellows out into a sweet and smoky flavor with just the right kick. If you love bold flavors but don’t want too much heat, this recipe is perfect!
5. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out. To keep them tender, pound them slightly for even cooking and reduce the cook time by 1-2 minutes per side.
6. Can I grill this instead of cooking it in a pan?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky depth to the flavor. Just preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until beautifully charred and cooked through. Brush the honey-butter glaze on during the last 1-2 minutes for that perfect finish.
7. What can I serve with Cava Harissa Honey Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with:
- Rice or quinoa for a hearty meal
- Pita bread and hummus for a Mediterranean vibe
- Roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a light, balanced plate
- Tzatziki or garlic sauce for an extra burst of flavor
8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge. This actually enhances the flavor! Cooked leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
9. Can I make this recipe less sweet?
Of course! Simply reduce the honey or skip it if you prefer a spicier, more savory dish. You can also swap honey for a drizzle of lemon juice for extra tanginess instead.
This Cava Harissa Honey Chicken is a game-changer! It’s spicy, sweet, and packed with Mediterranean goodness. Whether you serve it with rice, in a pita wrap, or on a fresh salad, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Try it today and let me know how you love it! Happy cooking!
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