We know a thing or two about making chicken taste amazing. And trust us, this Cava Lemon Chicken recipe is packed with bold, fresh flavors that will have you coming back for more. We’ve tested it, perfected it, and now we’re sharing all the details with you.
Cava Lemon Chicken is a juicy, flavorful chicken dish marinated in a harissa-based Cava Chicken Seasoning. The harissa gives it a smoky, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy taste, while the lemon adds brightness. Grilled or baked, it turns out tender, charred, and delicious every time.
Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through everything-ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to make this dish absolutely perfect!
What Does Cava Lemon Chicken Taste Like?
This Cava Lemon Chicken is a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and zesty flavors. The harissa paste and lemon brings a deep, warm heat, while the honey adds just the right touch of sweetness.
Fresh lime juice brightens everything up, and the crispy chicken skin locks in all that juicy goodness. Pair it with a cool yogurt dip, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Ingredients Required for Cava Lemon Chicken Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Cava Lemon Chicken
- 4 tbsp. harissa paste
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 2 tbsp. lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- ½ tbsp. olive oil
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 red chili, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 lime, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instate of all seasonings, you can simply use the pre-made Cava Chicken Seasoning for a faster meal.
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
✔ Large mixing bowl
✔ Sharp knife and Cutting board
✔ Garlic crusher or knife
✔ Baking tray
✔ Rubber gloves (for handling harissa)
✔ Plastic wrap (cling film)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marination Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Recipe for Cava Lemon Chicken
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Cava Lemon Chicken at home
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix harissa paste, honey, lime juice, crushed garlic, and olive oil. Stir well until combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Take your chicken thighs and drumsticks and make a few slashes in the meat-this helps the marinade soak in better. If using chicken thighs, trim any excess skin to ensure crispy results.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Wearing rubber gloves, rub the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring every piece is fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 45 minutes (overnight is even better!).
Step 4: Roast the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray and roast for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Yogurt Dip
While the chicken is roasting, mix yogurt, cucumber, mint, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Keep it chilled until serving.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Once the chicken is done, garnish with fresh chili slices and lime wedges. Serve with the yogurt dip, rice, or couscous-and enjoy every bite!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Cava Lemon Chicken
1. The Classic: With Fluffy Couscous
Trust us-this is a no-brainer. The tiny, fluffy grains soak up every bit of that smoky, spicy marinade. Add some fresh herbs like parsley and a squeeze of lemon, and boom-perfection.
2. Wrapped in Warm Pita Bread
Okay, hear us out. Shred that juicy chicken, stuff it into a warm pita, and top it with that cooling yogurt dip. Maybe throw in some pickled red onions and crunchy cucumbers. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make a double batch.
3. Over a Bed of Garlic Rice
Rice lovers, this one’s for you. A simple, buttery garlic rice paired with the spicy, citrusy chicken? Yes, yes, and yes. The flavors balance out beautifully, and honestly, we could eat this every day.
4. As a Fresh Salad Bowl
If you’re keeping things light, slice up the chicken and toss it over a bed of greens-think arugula, spinach, or romaine. Add some cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a drizzle of lemony dressing, and it’s restaurant-level good.
5. With Roasted Vegetables
You know those days when you want something hearty but still healthy? Roast some potatoes, bell peppers, and onions on the same tray as the chicken. The juices from the chicken coat the veggies, and it all caramelizes into pure magic.
6. With a Spiced Chickpea Side
We once served this with warm, spiced chickpeas (sautéed with cumin, coriander, and garlic), and it was next-level amazing. The creamy, nutty chickpeas paired with the smoky chicken? Unreal.
7. As a Hearty Grain Bowl
Think quinoa, farro, or bulgur wheat. Add the chicken, a scoop of hummus, a handful of pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of tahini. Trust us-it’s a full-on flavor explosion.
8. Inside a Loaded Wrap
Shred the chicken and roll it into a tortilla with crunchy slaw, yogurt sauce, and a drizzle of hot honey. It’s messy, but oh man, it’s worth it.
9. With a Side of Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
We once made roasted sweet potatoes with a little smoked paprika and honey, and when we paired them with the chicken, we couldn’t stop eating. The sweetness balances out the spice beautifully.
10. As a Mezze Platter Star
Want to impress people? Serve this chicken alongside hummus, baba ganoush, warm naan, and a mix of olives and pickled veggies. It’s like a Middle Eastern feast, and everyone will think you’re a pro chef.
Some Tips on This Cava Lemon Chicken Recipe
1. Let the Chicken Marinate Longer
I know waiting is hard, but if you let the chicken marinate overnight, the flavors get even better! If you’re short on time, at least give it 45 minutes-but overnight? Next level!
2. Wear Gloves for the Marinade
Harissa is amazing, but it stains like crazy. Trust me, if you don’t want orange hands for the next two days, wear gloves when rubbing the marinade into the chicken!
3. Don’t Skip the Slashes
Cutting small slashes in the chicken helps the marinade soak in deeper. It also helps the chicken cook evenly, so you don’t end up with raw spots.
4. Use Fresh Lime Juice
Bottled lime juice just isn’t the same. Fresh lime juice gives that bright, zesty kick that makes the chicken taste so much better.
5. Don’t Overdo the Olive Oil
A little olive oil is great to loosen up the marinade, but too much? It’ll make the chicken greasy instead of crispy. Half a tablespoon is enough!
6. Let the Chicken Reach Room Temperature Before Cooking
If you take chicken straight from the fridge to the oven, it won’t cook evenly. Let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before roasting for juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
7. Use a Wire Rack for Extra Crispy Skin
Want extra crispy skin? Roast the chicken on a wire rack placed over a baking tray. This lets the heat circulate all around, crisping up the skin beautifully!
8. Don’t Forget to Flip the Chicken
Halfway through roasting, flip the chicken. This helps it cook evenly and gives both sides that amazing charred, crispy texture.
9. The Yogurt Dip is a Must!
This chicken has a spicy kick, so don’t skip the yogurt dip. It’s cool, creamy, and balances the heat perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
10. Serve with Rice or Couscous
This chicken is fantastic on its own, but pair it with fluffy rice or couscous, and it becomes a full, delicious meal. Bonus tip? Spoon some of the extra marinade over the rice for extra flavor!
How to Store and Reheat Cava Lemon Chicken Properly
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat.
Freeze: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before roasting.
Cava Lemon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp. harissa paste
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 2 tbsp. lime juice freshly squeezed
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- ½ tbsp. olive oil
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 red chili sliced (for garnish)
- 1 lime sliced (for garnish)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix harissa paste, honey, lime juice, crushed garlic, and olive oil. Stir well until combined.
- Take your chicken thighs and drumsticks and make a few slashes in the meat-this helps the marinade soak in better. If using chicken thighs, trim any excess skin to ensure crispy results.
- Wearing rubber gloves, rub the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring every piece is fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 45 minutes (overnight is even better!).
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray and roast for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is roasting, mix yogurt, cucumber, mint, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Keep it chilled until serving.
- Once the chicken is done, garnish with fresh chili slices and lime wedges. Serve with the yogurt dip, rice, or couscous-and enjoy every bite!
Video
Notes
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat.
Freeze: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before roasting.
Common Queries on This Cava Lemon Chicken Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cava Lemon Chicken that people often ask.
1. What is in the Cava Lemon Chicken bowl?
If you’ve ever had a Cava-style bowl, you know it’s packed with bold Mediterranean flavors! The Cava Lemon Chicken Bowl typically includes marinated lemon-harissa chicken, fluffy basmati rice or couscous, a refreshing yogurt or tzatziki sauce, fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes, and sometimes a drizzle of garlic dressing or tahini sauce. You can also add toppings like pickled onions, feta cheese, or hummus to customize it to your liking.
2. Do you put lemon juice on chicken before or after cooking?
Both! 🍋 Before cooking, we mix lemon juice into the marinade to help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with zesty flavor. After cooking, a final squeeze of fresh lemon adds a bright, fresh kick that really enhances the dish. Just be careful not to marinate the chicken for too long (especially overnight), as too much acidity can break down the meat too much.
3. How to make Lemon Chicken sauce?
The easiest Lemon Chicken sauce comes together with a few simple ingredients. Just whisk together:
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for balance)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (for depth)
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Drizzle this over the chicken after cooking, or use it as a dipping sauce! If you like it creamy, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or tahini.
4. What is Lemon Chicken made of?
Lemon Chicken is a dish that highlights the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon combined with herbs and spices. Our Cava Lemon Chicken is made with:
- Chicken thighs & drumsticks (for juicy texture)
- Harissa paste (for smoky heat)
- Lemon juice & zest (for freshness)
- Garlic & honey (for balance)
- Olive oil & salt (for moisture and seasoning)
It’s then roasted to perfection, creating crispy, golden skin with a juicy, flavorful interior.
5. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?
Yes, but be careful! Chicken breasts dry out faster than thighs and drumsticks, so if you swap them in, I’d recommend marinating them for at least 30 minutes and cooking them for a shorter time (about 25-30 minutes at 400°F). You can also baste them with the marinade while baking to keep them juicy.
6. Is Harissa paste really spicy? Can I make it milder?
Harissa does have some heat, but it’s more of a smoky, warm spice rather than an overpowering burn. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can:
- Use less harissa (start with 2 tbsp instead of 4).
- Add extra honey to balance out the heat.
- Mix the marinade with Greek yogurt to mellow it out.
Trust me, even if you’re not a fan of spice, a little harissa adds amazing depth of flavor!
7. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of the oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t want to use the oven, try pan-searing the chicken:
- Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let it cook for another 10 minutes until fully done.
You’ll get a slightly different texture (less crispy skin), but the flavor is still amazing!
8. What sides go best with Cava Lemon Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Here are some of our favorites:
✔ Rice or couscous – Soaks up all the flavorful juices.
✔ Grilled veggies – Think zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
✔ Pita bread or naan – Great for scooping up sauce!
✔ Tzatziki or yogurt dip – A cooling contrast to the heat.
✔ Salad – A crisp Mediterranean salad with feta and olives is perfect.
9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better when made ahead. You can:
✅ Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
✅ Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✅ Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep it juicy.
If meal prepping, just pair it with rice and veggies in a container, and you’ve got lunch or dinner ready to go!
10. Can I make this recipe without an oven or stovetop?
Yes, you can grill it! 🔥 If you love that smoky, charred taste, grilling is a fantastic option.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (~375°F).
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping occasionally.
- If using boneless chicken, reduce the time to 4-5 minutes per side.
Grilled Cava Lemon Chicken turns out beautifully crispy, smoky, and juicy-highly recommend it!
And there you have it-an easy, flavorful, and healthy Cava Lemon Chicken recipe that’s perfect for a midweek dinner. Just marinate the chicken in the morning, and by the time you’re home, all you have to do is pop it in the oven.
It’s crispy, juicy, spicy, and refreshing all in one bite! Serve it with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy.
Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out-happy cooking!
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Delicious
Thanks lilly
Tnx for the exact recipe
Welcome sand