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Easy Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls (CAVA Copycat)

A close-up of a bowl featuring sliced, spiced harissa chicken served over white rice, drizzled with a white sauce, alongside a fresh green salad.
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This recipe delivers the spicy, sweet, and tender flavor of the popular CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken. It is quick enough for a weeknight dinner and perfect for meal prepping into flavorful bowls.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1/2 cup harissa paste
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For Serving: Cooked basmati rice, mixed greens, chopped cucumber, chopped tomato
  • For Sauce: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped, 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Combine the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well to create the marinade.
  2. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for baking, or prepare your grill for medium-high heat.
  4. If baking, arrange the marinated chicken on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). If grilling, cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side until cooked through.
  5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the cooling sauce. Mix the Greek yogurt, chopped mint, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt if desired.
  6. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it against the grain.
  7. Assemble your bowls: Start with a base of rice and greens. Top with the sliced harissa chicken and your desired fresh vegetables.
  8. Drizzle the mint yogurt sauce over the top before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For a true CAVA inspired experience, use a small amount of harissa vinaigrette (harissa paste mixed with olive oil and vinegar) drizzled over the finished bowl.
  • This recipe works well for healthy harissa meal prep; store the chicken, rice, and sauce separately and combine just before eating.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hungryhearld.com/easy-harissa-chicken-recipe/