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Easy Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls (CAVA Copycat)

Close-up of a bowl featuring glistening, saucy harissa chicken pieces served over white rice and mixed greens.
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Make this popular CAVA copycat recipe at home. You get tender chicken marinated in a spicy-sweet honey harissa sauce, served over rice and greens for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup harissa paste
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • For Serving: Cooked basmati rice, mixed greens, chopped cucumber, tomato, pita bread
  • For Vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon harissa paste, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the harissa paste, honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Add the cut chicken to the marinade and toss to coat completely. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together the 3 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon harissa paste, and oregano. Set aside.
  4. Cook the chicken using your preferred method: For baking, place the chicken on a lined sheet pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, until cooked through. For grilling or pan-searing, cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
  5. Assemble your bowls: Place a serving of rice and greens in each bowl. Top with the cooked honey harissa chicken and your choice of fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomato.
  6. Drizzle the prepared harissa vinaigrette over the chicken and vegetables before serving. Serve with warm pita bread.

Notes

  • For a sheet pan dinner, toss 1 pound of sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and roast alongside the chicken for the first 15 minutes.
  • If you want a creamier sauce, stir 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt into the leftover marinade after cooking the chicken.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep; store components separately and assemble just before eating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/30-min-harissa-chicken-cava-copycat-bowls/