Irresistible Cava Chicken Recipe: Harissa Honey Magic at Home

Make the ultimate Cava chicken recipe at home with juicy harissa honey chicken. Bold Mediterranean flavor, easy steps, healthy bowls, and meal prep tips.

Why This Cava Chicken Recipe Is So Popular

The Cava chicken recipe is popular because it delivers bold Mediterranean flavor with minimal effort. Inspired by CAVA’s signature harissa honey chicken, this dish perfectly balances sweet, smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite.

What makes this Cava chicken recipe special is its versatility. You can serve it in bowls, wraps, salads, or meal-prep containers without losing flavor.

The marinade does the heavy lifting, ensuring the chicken stays juicy, tender, and deeply seasoned. If you love restaurant-style meals but want full control over ingredients, this recipe is ideal.

What Is Cava Chicken?

Cava chicken refers to the harissa honey chicken served at CAVA Mediterranean restaurants. It’s made by marinating chicken in a bold blend of harissa paste, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, then cooking it until caramelized and flavorful.

Harissa paste is the foundation of this Cava chicken recipe. It’s a North African chili paste made with roasted peppers, garlic, and warm spices. The heat from harissa is balanced by honey, while lemon juice adds brightness and keeps the dish from tasting heavy.

Key Ingredients for the Best Cava Chicken Recipe

Using the right ingredients is essential for an authentic Cava chicken recipe. Each component plays a specific role in building flavor.

Cava Chicken Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Purpose	Notes
Chicken thighs or breasts	Protein base	Thighs stay juicier
Harissa paste	Heat & smokiness	Adjust for spice level
Honey	Sweet balance	Maple syrup works
Olive oil	Moisture & richness	Extra virgin preferred
Lemon juice	Brightness	Fresh only
Garlic powder	Savory depth	Fresh garlic optional
Paprika	Mild smoke	Smoked paprika adds depth
Salt & pepper	Seasoning	Essential

For serving, pair this recipe with grains, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a creamy sauce like tzatziki or tahini.

Step-by-Step Cava Chicken Recipe (Harissa Honey Chicken)

This is the core of the Cava chicken recipe—simple steps with maximum flavor.

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Whisk together the following ingredients:

• 3 tbsp harissa paste
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

This marinade defines the flavor of the Cava chicken recipe.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add 1½ pounds of chicken to the marinade and coat thoroughly.
Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Choose one cooking method:

• Grill: Medium-high heat, 5–6 minutes per side
• Oven: 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes
• Skillet: Medium heat, 6–7 minutes per side

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
This step locks in juices and keeps the Cava chicken recipe tender.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	34 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	3.5 g
Carbohydrates	9 g
Sugar	7 g
Fiber	1 g

This Cava chicken recipe is high in protein and balanced for healthy eating.

How to Make This Recipe Healthier

This Cava chicken recipe is easy to adjust for nutrition goals:

• Use chicken breast for lower fat
• Reduce honey for less sugar
• Serve over greens or cauliflower rice
• Add extra vegetables for fiber

Because the flavor comes from spices instead of heavy sauces, this recipe stays light but satisfying.

Cava Chicken Bowl Variations & Serving Ideas

This Cava chicken recipe works beautifully in multiple formats.

Popular Serving Options

• Cava chicken bowl: Rice, chicken, cucumber, tomato, feta, tzatziki
• Mediterranean salad: Greens, olives, pickled onions, tahini
• Pita wrap: Chicken, hummus, lettuce, yogurt sauce
• Meal prep containers: Grain + veg + chicken

Base Options Table

Base	Why It Works
Basmati rice	Classic and comforting
Quinoa	High protein
Mixed greens	Light and fresh
Farro	Hearty texture

No matter how you serve it, the Cava chicken recipe remains the centerpiece.

Best Side Dishes for Cava Chicken

Pair your Cava chicken recipe with these sides for a complete meal:

• Tzatziki or garlic yogurt
• Hummus or roasted red pepper dip
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Lemon couscous
• Grilled vegetables

Meal Prep Tips

This Cava chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep:

• Store cooked chicken up to 4 days
• Keep sauces separate
• Reheat gently to avoid dryness
• Freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months

The flavor improves after resting, making leftovers even better.

FAQ

Is this an authentic Cava chicken recipe?
It’s a copycat Cava chicken recipe inspired by their harissa honey chicken.

Is Cava chicken spicy?
Mild to medium heat, adjustable by harissa amount.

Can I bake this recipe?
Yes, baking works perfectly for this Cava chicken recipe.

What sauce pairs best?
Tzatziki, garlic yogurt, or tahini sauce.

Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the chicken itself contains no dairy.

Final Thoughts

This Cava chicken recipe delivers bold Mediterranean flavor without complexity. With its sweet-spicy harissa marinade, juicy texture, and endless serving options, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.

Whether you’re making bowls, wraps, or meal-prep lunches, this recipe brings restaurant-quality results to your kitchen