Description
Mediterranean-inspired CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls deliver a spicy-sweet fusion of flavors that dance across your palate. Grilled chicken nestled with zesty harissa and golden honey creates a quick, satisfying meal packed with bold Mediterranean culinary traditions you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade and Seasoning:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Bowl Components:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- Mixed salad greens
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Pickled red onions
- Crumbled feta or crazy feta
- Marinated cucumbers and tomatoes
- Hummus
- Pita chips, pita bread, or naan
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel or resealable plastic pouch, thoroughly coat chicken thighs with olive oil, harissa paste, honey, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally overnight to enhance flavor penetration.
- Simultaneously prepare rice according to package specifications and organize complementary accompaniments. Gently toss salad greens with a light drizzle of olive oil and set aside.
- Craft vinaigrette by combining olive oil, harissa paste, freshly squeezed lemon juice, onion powder, crushed garlic, and salt in a medium glass jar. Vigorously whisk or seal and shake until ingredients are completely integrated. Refrigerate until serving moment.
- Warm olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high temperature. When oil appears shimmering, carefully position chicken thighs with smooth surface downward. Sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until achieving golden caramelization. Rotate and continue cooking 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and allow brief resting period on cutting surface.
- Slice cooked chicken into uniform bite-sized portions. Layer serving bowls with mixed salad greens and prepared rice as foundational elements. Strategically arrange sliced chicken, creamy avocado, tangy pickled red onions, crumbled feta cheese, marinated cucumber and tomato mixture, and generous dollop of smooth hummus. Finish by drizzling hot harissa vinaigrette. Accompany with warm pita chips, traditional pita bread, or soft naan.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
- Customize your bowl with endless topping combinations, creating a personalized culinary experience every time.
- Prepare vinaigrette ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to enhance flavors and save precious cooking minutes.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe and perfectly cooked protein that’s golden and delicious.
- Balance spicy harissa with sweet honey to create a complex, mouth-watering flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices and maintain optimal tenderness and moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg