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A collection of cozy bowls filled with vibrant comfort food for family meals

Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls

A delightful blend of smoky harissa and sweet honey paired with vibrant veggies, perfect for family gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs Opt for organic, free-range for better flavor.
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp harissa paste Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1 tbsp harissa paste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 1 clove garlic, minced or 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
For the Bowls
  • 2 cups cooked basmati rice
  • 2 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 each avocado, sliced
  • 0.5 cup pickled red onions
  • 0.5 cup crumbled feta
  • 0.5 cup marinated cucumbers and tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup hummus to taste
  • as needed each pita chips, pita bread, or naan for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken thighs with olive oil, harissa, honey, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. While the chicken marinates, cook the basmati rice according to package directions. Slice the avocado, crumble the feta, and prep your greens and veggies.
  3. In a jar, combine the vinaigrette ingredients of harissa paste, lemon juice, onion powder, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Shake or whisk until well blended and chill in the fridge.
Cooking
  1. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4–5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest for a few minutes before chopping.
Assembly
  1. Layer your bowls with a generous scoop of cooked basmati rice and a bed of mixed salad greens. Top with chopped chicken, avocado slices, pickled onions, cucumbers, crumbled feta, and a dollop of hummus. Drizzle the harissa vinaigrette over the top and serve with pita.

Notes

For the best flavor, aim for marinating the chicken overnight. This dish can also be adapted for vegan options by substituting chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh.