We’ve made this recipe so many times, and trust us-it’s a winner! If you’re looking for a simple way to make flavorful, juicy chicken with that perfect blend of spice and sweetness, you’re in the right place. We’ll walk you through every step to make sure it turns out just right.
Simple Cava Chicken is a Mediterranean-inspired dish made with harissa, honey, and warm spices. The chicken is marinated, then cooked to juicy perfection, creating a balance of smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. It’s easy to make and pairs well with rice, salad, or pita.
Want to know the secret to getting that perfect char? Or how to make the best marinade? Keep reading-we’ve got all the details!
What Does Simple Cava Chicken Taste Like?
Simple Cava Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. The harissa paste brings a deep, warm heat, while the honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to mellow the spice.
Lemon juice brightens the dish, giving it a fresh, zesty kick, just like the Cava Lemon Chicken. The garlic and smoked paprika add layers of bold, savory richness, and the caramelized exterior creates a slightly crispy texture.
Every bite is juicy, tender, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Whether you serve it with rice, pita, or a fresh salad, this dish delivers bold flavors and restaurant-quality taste in every bite!
Ingredients Required for Simple Cava Chicken Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Simple Cava Chicken
- 8 to 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 to 4 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Urfa Biber, Aleppo pepper, or red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
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
✔ Whisk
✔ Baking dish or sheet pan
✔ Measuring cups & spoons
✔ Oven
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marination Time (recommended): 2 hours to overnight
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-5
Recipe for Simple Cava Chicken
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Cava Chicken at home
Step 1: Make the Honey-Harissa Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together harissa paste, tomato paste, honey, lemon juice, and olive oil until well combined. Add the Urfa Biber, coriander, smoked paprika, and minced garlic, then mix until smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Generously season the chicken thighs on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Add them to the marinade and toss until fully coated. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. Short on time? Let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken on a baking dish or sheet pan in a single layer. Bake on the center rack for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the surface is slightly charred and caramelized.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Drizzle some of the pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor. Serve with warm pita, rice, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Cava Chicken
1. Over a Fluffy Bed of Lemon Rice
There’s something magical about pairing this spicy-sweet chicken with Cava Saffron rice. The citrusy freshness balances the harissa heat perfectly, and the soft, fluffy texture of the rice soaks up all those pan juices like a dream.
2. Stuffed in a Warm Pita with Tzatziki
We’ve done this countless times, and it NEVER disappoints. Grab a soft pita, load it up with sliced harissa chicken, drizzle some cool tzatziki sauce, and toss in cucumbers and tomatoes. It’s like a Cava-style chicken wrap but homemade (and honestly, even better).
3. With Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Crispy, golden garlic potatoes roasted in olive oil are a no-brainer side for this dish. Just toss baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, garlic, and a pinch of smoked paprika, then roast them while your chicken bakes. Boom-perfection on a plate!
4. Over a Fresh Mediterranean Salad
When we want something light, we slice up the harissa chicken and lay it over a crisp Mediterranean salad-think romaine, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta. A squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil?
5. Wrapped in a Naan with Hummus & Pickled Onions
This might be our favorite hack. Grab a warm, pillowy naan, spread on some creamy hummus, layer in the juicy chicken, and finish with pickled onions for a tangy crunch. The flavors explode in the best way possible!
6. Served with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
We stumbled upon this combo one night when we had leftover mashed potatoes, and WOW. The smooth, buttery mashed potatoes mellow out the bold spices, making every bite rich and satisfying.
7. With a Side of Roasted Veggies
If you want to keep it healthy, serve this chicken with roasted vegetables. We love a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted with olive oil and garlic. They caramelize beautifully and complement the smoky harissa flavors.
8. In a Grain Bowl with Quinoa & Feta
For a high-protein, filling meal, we toss this chicken into a quinoa bowl with roasted chickpeas, cucumbers, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of tahini dressing. It’s super nourishing and tastes incredible!
9. Over a Warm Couscous Pilaf
Couscous is light, fluffy, and the perfect base for soaking up that flavorful chicken marinade. We love making a simple couscous pilaf with toasted almonds, golden raisins, and fresh parsley for a hint of sweetness.
10. As a Hearty Chicken Gyro
If you have pita bread, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and garlic yogurt sauce, you’ve got everything for a next-level homemade chicken gyro. It’s quick, easy, and seriously addicting.
Some Tips on This Simple Cava Chicken Recipe
1. Taste Your Harissa First
Harissa can be mild or really spicy, depending on the brand. Give it a quick taste before adding it to the marinade, so you can adjust the heat to your liking.
2. Marinate for Extra Flavor
If you’ve got time, let the chicken marinate overnight. The flavors get deeper, and the chicken turns out extra juicy. But if you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes helps!
3. Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice
The lemon juice isn’t just for flavor-it helps tenderize the chicken, making it super soft and delicious. Fresh lemon works best!
4. Use Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs
Thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts, especially with this marinade. If you only have chicken breasts, cut them in half so they cook evenly.
5. Line Your Baking Dish for Easy Cleanup
The honey in the marinade can stick to the pan, so line your baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken
Give each piece some space on the pan. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast, and we want that nice caramelized crust!
7. Check for Doneness with a Fork
No thermometer? No problem! Just poke the chicken with a fork-if the juices run clear and it’s easy to cut, it’s done!
8. Save the Pan Juices
The juices at the bottom of the pan are gold! Drizzle them over the chicken for extra moisture and flavor.
9. Let the Chicken Rest Before Cutting
Give the chicken 5 minutes to rest before slicing. This keeps all the juicy goodness inside instead of running out onto the plate!
10. Serve with Something Fresh
This chicken is rich and flavorful, so pair it with something light-like a crisp salad, fluffy rice, or warm pita bread. It balances everything out!
How to Store and Reheat Simple Cava Chicken Properly
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Simple Cava Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 to 4 tablespoons harissa paste adjust for spice level
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Urfa Biber Aleppo pepper, or red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together harissa paste, tomato paste, honey, lemon juice, and olive oil until well combined. Add the Urfa Biber, coriander, smoked paprika, and minced garlic, then mix until smooth.
- Generously season the chicken thighs on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Add them to the marinade and toss until fully coated. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. Short on time? Let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven.
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated chicken on a baking dish or sheet pan in a single layer. Bake on the center rack for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the surface is slightly charred and caramelized.
- Drizzle some of the pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor. Serve with warm pita, rice, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Video
Notes
Freeze: Keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Common Queries on This Simple Cava Chicken Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Simple Cava Chicken Recipe that people often ask.
1. What is Harissa Honey Chicken CAVA?
Harissa honey chicken is a signature dish inspired by the flavors of CAVA, the popular Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant. It’s made with tender, juicy chicken marinated in a bold harissa-honey blend, then roasted to perfection. The balance of sweet and spicy makes it a standout dish, whether served in a bowl, pita, or salad.
2. What is in the CAVA Chicken and Rice Bowl?
A typical CAVA chicken and rice bowl includes:
- Harissa honey chicken (or grilled chicken)
- Basmati rice or saffron rice
- Tzatziki or harissa sauce
- Hummus or roasted red pepper hummus
- Pickled onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives
- Feta cheese and fresh herbs
It’s a customizable Mediterranean bowl that combines spiced chicken, creamy sauces, and fresh toppings for an irresistible meal!
3. Do harissa and honey go together?
Absolutely! We were skeptical at first, but trust us-harissa and honey are a dream team. The deep, smoky heat from harissa is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of honey, creating a rich, bold flavor that enhances the chicken without overpowering it. If you love sweet and spicy combos, this is a must-try!
4. What does Harissa Honey Chicken taste like?
It’s a flavor explosion! The spiciness of harissa, the sweet caramelization from honey, and the tangy brightness from lemon make each bite absolutely addictive. Plus, the garlic and warm spices add layers of depth, making it savory, smoky, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, we highly recommend marinating the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. You can also meal prep by cooking the chicken ahead of time and storing it in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
6. Can I grill instead of baking?
Absolutely! We’ve tried grilling it, and it turns out just as amazing. Simply preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked. The smoky grill flavor pairs beautifully with the harissa honey glaze!
7. What can I serve with Harissa Honey Chicken?
There are so many delicious options! Here are some of our favorites:
- Warm pita bread or naan
- Mediterranean rice (basmati or saffron rice)
- Hummus or tzatziki for dipping
- Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant
- Fresh Greek salad with feta cheese
Trust us-pair it with something fresh and creamy to balance out the bold flavors!
8. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on how much harissa paste you use. We usually add 2 tablespoons for a mild kick and 4 tablespoons for a spicier version. If you love heat, sprinkle in some extra chili flakes! If you prefer a milder dish, start with less harissa and adjust to taste.
9. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but we highly recommend using chicken thighs because they stay juicier and more flavorful. If you prefer chicken breasts, be sure to pound them to an even thickness and reduce the cooking time to 25-30 minutes at 400°F to avoid drying them out.
This Simple Cava Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or meal prepping! The harissa honey marinade infuses the chicken with deep, rich flavors, making it juicy, slightly spicy, and completely addictive. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again!
Let me know how yours turns out in the comments! Happy cooking!
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