Looking for an easy dinner recipe with Mediterranean flavors? Try the Cava Harissa Chicken recipe. It’s inspired by the popular Mediterranean fast-casual spot, Cava. This dish mixes the spicy harissa with juicy chicken for a flavor-packed meal.
It’s a healthy chicken recipe that’s great for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. You can also enjoy the build-your-own bowl concept, just like at Cava. With easy instructions and flexible ingredients, making your perfect harissa chicken bowl is a breeze.
Introduction to Cava Harissa Chicken
Exploring Mediterranean cuisine can lead you to discover harissa. This spicy pepper blend adds a rich depth to dishes. Using it in Cava’s Harissa Chicken turns a simple meal into something special.
What is Harissa?
Harissa is a hot chili pepper sauce from North Africa. It’s a key ingredient in Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Libya. The sauce has fresh red peppers, garlic, and spices like coriander and caraway seeds.
Its tangy and smoky taste makes it great for grilled meats and stews. It’s like a bold marinade that wakes up your taste buds, perfect for spicy chicken dishes.
Why Choose Cava’s Harissa Chicken Recipe?
Cava’s Harissa Chicken is a healthy, quick recipe ready in under 45 minutes. It’s perfect for an easy dinner. The harissa-marinated chicken with fresh veggies makes tasty chicken bowls.
This Middle Eastern recipe is great for any meal. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. This Cava recipe offers healthy eating options for everyone.
Cava Harissa Chicken Recipe Recipe
Making a delicious Cava Harissa Chicken Recipe is easy with a few simple steps. You can prepare healthy chicken meals at home. This recipe makes your dinners both tasty and nutritious.
Ingredients for Cava Harissa Chicken
Here are the ingredients for harissa chicken you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving, consider pairing the chicken with:
- Basmati rice
- Fresh vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes
- Optional toppings including hummus, tzatziki, and crumbled feta cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are the step-by-step harissa chicken instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the harissa paste, olive oil, honey, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for the marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. If you prefer a skillet, heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear the thighs in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If using the oven, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for a similar duration until cooked through, ensuring a juicy, flavorful result.
- Once done, remove the chicken from heat, let rest for a few minutes, and cut into chunks.
- Serve over a bed of basmati rice, adding fresh salad greens and topping with optional garnishes like pickled onions, tzatziki, and hummus.
Enjoy your homemade Cava Harissa Chicken as a satisfying and healthy meal choice any day of the week!
Conclusion
The Cava Harissa Chicken Recipe is more than just a meal. It’s a trip into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. This healthy chicken dish brings together taste and nutrition. It’s a perfect mix of bold spices and ingredients from the Mediterranean.
This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. It’s great for busy people, big families, or anyone wanting to spice up their dinners. Cooking and sharing this meal with others is truly rewarding.
Adding this tasty chicken dish to your meals often will bring back the rich flavors of Cava. It’s not just eating; it’s celebrating a healthy lifestyle with great food.
Source Links
- Harissa Chicken Bowls (CAVA Copycat!) – https://www.butterbeready.com/harissa-chicken-bowls/
- Harissa Honey Chicken – https://moribyan.com/harissa-honey-chicken/
- Easy Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe (for CAVA bowls) – https://grilledcheesesocial.com/2024/04/11/harissa-chicken/