Cava Honey Harissa Chicken – Flavorful Spicy Chicken Recipe!

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Spice up your dinner with this delicious Cava Honey Harissa Chicken! Featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and spicy harissa sauce, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special gathering. Serve it with your favorite sides for a balanced dish. Don't forget to save this flavorful recipe for your next culinary adventure!

Let me tell you about one of my go-to recipes that never fails to impress my friends and family—the Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl! This dish is the perfect blend of flavors, and every time I make it, I’m transported back to those vibrant, bustling Mediterranean markets filled with aromatic spices and colorful produce. I first stumbled upon a similar recipe years ago while on one of my travels, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen.

What I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. It can be prepped in advance for busy weeknight dinners or served up fresh when you have guests over. And let me just say, when the rich sweetness of honey meets the spicy depth of harissa, it creates a flavor explosion that makes my taste buds dance! Let’s dive into the ingredients and see what makes this dish so special.

What’s in Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: This is the star of the show! Chicken thighs are not only juicy, but they also hold up beautifully against the bold flavors of the marinade. You could use chicken breast, but they might dry out a bit more.

Harissa paste: A North African chili paste that gives wonderful heat and depth. If you’re a fan of spicy flavors, you’ll want to be generous with this! I recommend finding a quality brand or even making your own if you’re feeling adventurous.

Honey: This natural sweetener brings a luscious balance to the spicy harissa. Look for local honey if possible; it adds a special touch to the dish.

Olive oil: A must for cooking, this not only prevents sticking but also enhances the flavor of the chicken. I always opt for extra virgin olive oil for its robust taste.

Cooked rice or quinoa: This serves as the base of your bowl. Quinoa is a great gluten-free option and adds a nice nutty flavor, making it a hearty choice.

Diced cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, cucumber adds a refreshing crunch that balances the dish beautifully.

Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these little gems brighten up any bowl with their vibrant flavor.

Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, zesty kick. You can soak them in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor if you’re sensitive to the bite.

Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of this vibrant herb adds color and a fresh taste to the bowl. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients!

Feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta takes the dish to the next level! It adds a deliciously salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Tzatziki sauce (optional): A refreshing yogurt-based sauce that’s optional but oh-so-delicious! It brings a cooling contrast to the warm spiced chicken.

Pita bread or chips: For serving on the side. Who can resist a little bread to mop up all the good stuff?

Lemon wedges: The finishing touch! A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything up and enhances the flavors.

Is Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl Good for You?

Absolutely! This dish offers a wonderful balance of protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables.

Chicken thighs provide essential protein and iron, while quinoa (if you choose it as your base) offers a complete protein source that’s also rich in fiber. The fresh veggies like cucumber and cherry tomatoes add fiber and vital vitamins, making every bite a healthy choice.

One thing to keep in mind is the sodium content, especially if you’re using store-bought harissa and feta cheese. Opting for low-sodium versions can help keep things in check. If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, feel free to skip the pita chips or enjoy them in moderation.

Ingredients

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp harissa paste
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
– 1/2 cucumber, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (optional)
– Pita bread or chips, for serving
– Lemon wedges, for garnish

This recipe serves about 4 people, perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week!

How to Make Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl?

1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a bowl, mix together the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).

2. **Cook the Chicken**: Preheat the grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. If using a skillet, you can cover it with a lid to help cook the chicken evenly. Once cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips.

3. **Prepare the Base**: In a large bowl, place a serving of cooked rice or quinoa as the base.

4. **Assemble the Bowl**: Top the rice or quinoa with the sliced chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, parsley, and feta cheese. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce if using.

5. **Garnish and Serve**: Serve the bowl warm with pita bread or chips on the side and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your Cava-inspired honey harissa chicken bowl!

Serving Suggestions and Expert Tips

Now that you’ve got the recipe down, let’s talk about a few ways to mix it up or enhance your serving.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can roast the vegetables before adding them to the bowl for a warm, caramelized flavor. You could also easily turn this recipe into a meal prep superstar—just keep the chicken separate from the fresh veggies until you’re ready to eat, so everything stays crisp and vibrant.

And hey, if you’re not a fan of feta or tzatziki, don’t fret! You can easily switch them out for some avocado or hummus—both would be delicious!

I hope you give this Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl a try! It’s always a hit at my place, and I know it will be at yours too. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out, or share your own twist on the dish! Happy cooking!

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