Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe

Name: CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs; 4 tbsp olive oil (divided); 2 tbsp harissa paste; 1 tbsp honey; Juice from 1/2 lemon; 2 cloves garlic (minced); Salt and black pepper; Cooked basmati rice; Mixed salad greens; Avocado, pickled red onions, feta cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, and hummus for toppings

Published: July 12, 2025

by kaeli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Flavor: The honey harissa marinade infuses the chicken with a deliciously sweet and spicy kick.
Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite Mediterranean toppings to make each bowl unique and satisfying.
Healthy Ingredients: This dish is rich in protein and can easily fit into a balanced diet.
Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for preparing ahead; simply store the components separately to maintain freshness.

Tools and Preparation

To make this CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe, you will need some essential tools that will simplify your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Medium bowl or large plastic bag
Whisk or jar with a lid
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: A must-have for properly searing the chicken, ensuring it develops great flavor.
Medium bowl or large plastic bag: Perfect for marinating the chicken evenly without mess.
Whisk or jar with a lid: Makes mixing the vinaigrette easy; you can shake it up quickly for even distribution.

Ingredients

This homemade CAVA bowl features tender chicken marinated in a delicious honey harissa sauce and tossed with Mediterranean-style toppings. It’s all placed over a bed of basmati rice and lettuce, drizzled with a hot harissa vinaigrette, and served with warm pita.

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 Tablespoons Harissa paste (Note 1)
1 Tablespoon honey
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons Harissa paste (adjust to desired spice level)
2 Tablespoons lemon juice (1/2 lemon)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 garlic cloves (minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups cooked Basmati rice (1 cup uncooked (Note 2))
Mixed salad greens + olive oil to taste
1 ripe avocado (sliced)
Pickled red onions to taste (homemade or store-bought)
Crumbled feta or Crazy feta to taste (Note 3)
Marinated cucumbers and tomatoes (store-bought or homemade (Note 4))
Hummus to taste
Pita Chips (pita bread, or naan for serving)

How to Make CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken in a medium bowl or large plastic bag with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, harissa paste, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Cover the mixture and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Toppings

While the chicken is marinating, cook the basmati rice according to package directions.
Prepare your desired toppings such as slicing avocados or mixing salad greens with olive oil.

Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette

In a medium jar, combine remaining vinaigrette ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, harissa paste, lemon juice, onion powder, minced garlic, and kosher salt.
Whisk together until well combined or shake in the jar. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering.
Place chicken thighs smooth side down. Sear without moving them for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of about 160°F.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

In serving bowls, layer mixed greens, cooked basmati rice, chopped chicken, and your choice of toppings.
Drizzle each serving with prepared vinaigrette and serve alongside warm pita bread for dipping.

How to Serve CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe

Serving your CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken is key to enjoying this flavorful dish. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty toppings creates a vibrant meal that can be tailored to your preferences.

Bowls

Start with a base of basmati rice or mixed greens.
Layer the marinated chicken on top for a protein boost.
Add a drizzle of harissa vinaigrette for extra flavor.

Wraps

Use warm pita bread or naan to create a wrap.
Fill it with chicken, salad greens, and your favorite toppings.
Roll it up tightly and enjoy it as a handheld meal.

Salads

Toss greens with olive oil and vinegar for a refreshing salad.
Top with chopped chicken, avocado, and feta for creaminess.
Serve chilled or at room temperature for a light option.

Platter Style

Arrange the chicken on a large platter with all toppings around it.
Invite guests to build their own bowls or wraps.
This style encourages sharing and is perfect for gatherings.

How to Perfect CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe

A few tips can elevate your CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken to restaurant quality. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

Marinate longer: Letting the chicken marinate overnight enhances its flavor significantly.
Sear properly: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding chicken; this helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
Rest the chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing; this keeps it juicy.
Customize toppings: Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables or different cheeses based on your taste preferences.
Adjust spice level: Modify the amount of harissa paste according to how spicy you want your dish to be.

Best Side Dishes for CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken will enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A refreshing mix of quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs drizzled with lemon dressing.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper make a great companion.
Garlic Hummus: Creamy hummus served alongside pita chips adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Tzatziki Sauce: A cool yogurt sauce made with cucumber and garlic that complements the spices in the chicken beautifully.
Fattoush Salad: A vibrant salad featuring crispy pita chips, fresh vegetables, and tangy sumac dressing provides crunch and freshness.
Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These can be served warm or cold; they offer a delightful Mediterranean touch to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the marinade time: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor. Don’t rush this step; overnight is best.
Using low-quality harissa: The flavor of your dish relies heavily on the harissa paste. Choose a good quality brand for the best results.
Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure your chicken stays tender. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F.
Neglecting toppings: Skipping fresh toppings can make your bowl dull. Include all recommended toppings for a flavorful, colorful presentation.
Not adjusting spice levels: Harissa varies in heat. Taste and adjust as needed before cooking to suit your spice preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
The CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe

Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil, stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe that may help you in your cooking journey.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may dry out if overcooked. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I customize my CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl?

Feel free to add other toppings like roasted vegetables or different grains such as quinoa for variety.

What is harissa and where can I find it?

Harissa is a North African chili paste made from hot peppers and spices. It’s available at grocery stores or online.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare toppings ahead for easy assembly later.

Final Thoughts

The CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors in your kitchen. Its versatility allows you to customize each bowl with your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for meal prep or family dinners. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!