Simple Cava Chicken Recipe
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.
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
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.
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.