Cooking chicken that’s full of flavor and just the right amount of heat isn’t as hard as it seems. Trust me—I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress. You’re in the right place for a truly mouthwatering meal, Paring this Cava Spicy Chicken with healthy Cava Cabbage Slaw!
What is a Cava Spicy Chicken Recipe? It’s a dish inspired by bold Mediterranean flavors, featuring juicy grilled chicken marinated in harissa—a spicy, smoky chili paste. This recipe blends aromatic spices and simple ingredients to create a perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Want to learn how to make this irresistible dish and even your own harissa paste? Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through it step by step. You’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in no time!
What Does Cava Spicy Chicken Taste Like?
Cava Spicy Chicken is a bold explosion of flavors! It’s smoky, slightly spicy, and tangy, thanks to the combination of harissa paste, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. The harissa brings a deep, chili-forward heat balanced by garlic and warm spices like cumin and coriander.
Grilling adds a delicious charred, savory edge that pairs perfectly with the juicy tenderness of chicken thighs. If you like heat, you can dial it up with cayenne pepper, but it’s also rich and flavorful enough for spice-moderate eaters.
Paired with grilled veggies or fresh sides, it’s the perfect mix of fiery, earthy, and refreshing flavors—a dish that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean!
Ingredients Required for Cava Spicy Chicken Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this copycat Cava Spicy Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 6–7 tbsp harissa paste (homemade or store-bought)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Extra virgin olive oil (for marination and grilling)
Optional Grilled Veggies:
Zucchini, tomatoes, and onions
Olive oil, salt, and pepper for tossing
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Kitchen gloves (optional)
- Tongs
- Grill or skillet
- Cutting board and knife
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (+ optional 2-hour marination)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
How to Make Cava Spicy Chicken?
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Cava Spicy Chicken at home
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, season the chicken thighs with kosher salt. Add minced garlic, red onion slices, and all the spices: coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (if desired).
Stir in the harissa paste, juice of one lemon, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Kitchen gloves make this step mess-free!
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6–7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Simultaneously, toss your veggies (zucchini, tomatoes, and onions) with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill alongside the chicken.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken and veggies from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the grilled harissa chicken with the charred veggies for a complete meal bursting with smoky, spicy goodness.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Cava Spicy Chicken
1. Mediterranean Plate
Serve the grilled harissa chicken with a side of fluffy couscous or quinoa, a dollop of tzatziki sauce, and a fresh cucumber-tomato salad. Add olives for an extra Mediterranean touch!
2. Wrap It Up
Shred the chicken and tuck it into warm pita bread with hummus, pickled onions, and lettuce for a quick and flavorful harissa chicken wrap.
3. Rice Bowl
Layer the chicken over fragrant basmati or jasmine rice. Add roasted vegetables, a drizzle of tahini sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
4. Flatbread Pizza
Dice the chicken and use it as a topping for flatbread. Spread a thin layer of harissa paste or tomato sauce, add mozzarella or feta cheese, and bake until crispy.
5. Zoodle Bowl
Pair the harissa chicken with zucchini noodles (zoodles) tossed in olive oil and lemon juice for a low-carb, veggie-packed option.
6. Harissa Chicken Salad
Chop the chicken and toss it into a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and crumbled feta. Dress with a light lemon vinaigrette.
7. Grain & Veggie Platter
Serve the chicken with a mix of grains like farro or bulgur, grilled veggies, and a drizzle of yogurt mixed with lemon and garlic.
8. Taco Night
Shred the chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime.
9. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Top baked sweet potatoes with chunks of grilled harissa chicken, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
10. Pasta Pairing
Toss penne or bowtie pasta with olive oil, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a few pieces of grilled harissa chicken. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese for a creamy finish.
Some Tips on This Cava Spicy Chicken Recipe
1. Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness
Chicken thighs retain moisture better during grilling, but if you prefer chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
2. Make Your Own Harissa Paste
Homemade harissa paste delivers fresher, more vibrant flavors than store-bought. It’s worth the effort, and you can customize the heat level.
3. Marinate for Maximum Flavor
While a 30-minute marinade works in a pinch, letting the chicken soak for 2–4 hours ensures deeper, more pronounced flavors.
4. Don’t Skip the Gloves
Mixing harissa paste with your hands is easier and ensures even coating. Gloves help keep your hands clean and spice-free.
5. Use Fresh Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the marinade’s tang and helps tenderize the chicken. Avoid bottled lemon juice for best results.
6. Preheat the Grill Properly
A hot grill (medium-high heat) ensures a nice char without overcooking the chicken. Let it preheat for at least 10 minutes before grilling.
7. Oil the Grill Grates
Prevent sticking by lightly brushing the grill grates with oil before placing the chicken on them.
8. Rest the Chicken After Grilling
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping it juicy and tender.
9. Add Veggies for a Complete Meal
Toss zucchini, tomatoes, and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill alongside the chicken for an easy side dish.
10. Pair with a Cool Side Dish
Balance the heat of the harissa chicken with a refreshing side like tzatziki, cucumber salad, or plain yogurt.
How to Store and Reheat Cava Spicy Chicken Properly?
To store Cava Spicy Chicken, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For reheating, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist, or microwave in 30-second intervals. Avoid overcooking to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and flavor.

Cava Spicy Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 10 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red onion sliced
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
- 6 –7 tbsp harissa paste homemade or store-bought
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Extra virgin olive oil for marination and grilling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, season the chicken thighs with kosher salt. Add minced garlic, red onion slices, and all the spices: coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (if desired).
- Stir in the harissa paste, juice of one lemon, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Kitchen gloves make this step mess-free!
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6–7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Simultaneously, toss your veggies (zucchini, tomatoes, and onions) with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill alongside the chicken.
- Remove the chicken and veggies from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the grilled harissa chicken with the charred veggies for a complete meal bursting with smoky, spicy goodness.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Cava Spicy Chicken Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cava Spicy Chicken Recipe that people often ask.
1. What is the spicy sauce at Cava?
The spicy sauce at Cava is their signature harissa, a North African chili paste made from roasted peppers, garlic, spices like coriander and cumin, and olive oil. It adds a bold, smoky heat to dishes and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken.
2. Which chicken at Cava is spicy?
The Harissa Honey Chicken at Cava is the spicy option. It’s marinated in a mix of harissa and honey, creating a flavorful balance of heat and sweetness.
3. Is Cava Harissa Honey Chicken spicy?
Yes, Cava Harissa Honey Chicken has a spicy kick, thanks to the harissa paste in the marinade. However, the addition of honey mellows the heat, offering a slightly sweet and smoky flavor profile.
4. Is Cava Harissa Honey Chicken healthy?
Cava Harissa Honey Chicken can be a healthy choice as it is high in protein and cooked using lean chicken. Its marinade contains natural ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and spices, but the honey adds a bit of sugar, so portion control is key.
5. Can I use store-bought harissa paste for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade harissa paste enhances the flavor with fresh ingredients, a high-quality store-bought option works well for convenience.
6. Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by using less harissa paste or skipping the cayenne pepper. Adding a touch of honey to the marinade can also balance the heat.
7. Can I substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs in this recipe?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs.
8. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for 2 hours in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will infuse the chicken with plenty of flavor.
9. Can I cook this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
If you’ve been looking for a way to elevate your chicken dinner, this Grilled Harissa Chicken recipe is it!
Don’t forget to check out my homemade harissa paste recipe to keep in your fridge for endless flavor possibilities. Happy grilling!
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Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can customize the spice level.