CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls

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Introduction

If you’ve ever craved a meal that’s a perfect balance of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and healthy ingredients, the CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls are exactly what you need. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, these bowls are packed with succulent grilled chicken, a hint of sweet honey, and a touch of spicy harissa. The combination of these flavors, along with a medley of fresh vegetables, grains, and flavorful toppings, makes this dish not just a meal, but an experience.

In this article, we’ll dive into why CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls have become so popular, provide step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious meal at home, and share tips and variations to make the dish your own. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Mediterranean flavors or looking to try something new, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Flavorful: The combination of sweet honey and spicy harissa creates a deliciously complex flavor profile that’s sure to excite your taste buds.
• Healthy and Nutritious: This dish is packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy grains, making it a nourishing meal for any time of day.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the bowl to suit your preferences, choosing from a variety of grains, vegetables, and toppings.
• Simple to Prepare: While the flavors may seem complex, this dish is surprisingly easy to make at home, making it a great weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These bowls store well in the fridge, so you can prepare a few servings ahead of time and enjoy a nutritious meal all week long.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (15 minutes for prep, 45 minutes for cooking, 10 minutes for assembling)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 550
  • Protein: 40g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Fiber: 6g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein base of the dish, ensuring a lean and tender texture.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist while adding flavor.
• 2 tablespoons honey: For a natural sweetness that balances the spicy harissa.
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste: A North African chili paste made with roasted red peppers, spices, and garlic, which adds heat and depth to the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the marinade.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a savory base note to the marinade.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice that complements the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and depth to the chicken.
• Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the chicken.

For the Grain Base:

• 1 cup quinoa or couscous: Both are quick-cooking grains that serve as the perfect base for your bowl.
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water: Used to cook the grains, adding extra flavor if using broth.

Vegetables and Toppings:

• 1 cucumber, diced: Provides a cool, crisp contrast to the warm chicken.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juiciness and a pop of color to the bowl.
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced: A tangy addition that brightens the bowl with its sharp flavor.
• 1 avocado, sliced: Adds creaminess and richness to balance the spicy chicken.
• 1 cup shredded carrots: Offers crunch and sweetness.
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional): For a salty, tangy finish.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
• 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (optional): A creamy yogurt-based sauce that complements the spicy chicken and adds extra flavor.

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons tahini: A creamy sesame paste that brings richness to the bowl.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Balances the richness of the tahini with a bright, tangy note.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds smoothness and helps the dressing come together.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning for the dressing.

Step-by-Step Preparation

First Step: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, harissa paste, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor will develop.

Second Step: Cook the Grains

1. Cook the Quinoa or Couscous: While the chicken is marinating, prepare your grain base. For quinoa, rinse it under cold water, then add it to a medium pot with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. If you’re using couscous, simply pour the boiling broth over it, cover, and let it steam for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa or couscous with a fork once done.

Third Step: Cook the Chicken

1. Grill or Sear the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook it for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using a grill, grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side.
2. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.

Fourth Step: Prepare the Vegetables and Toppings

1. Slice the Vegetables: While the chicken is resting, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and shred the carrots. Slice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
2. Chop the Parsley: Finely chop the fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Fifth Step: Make the Dressing

1. Prepare the Tahini Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add a little water to thin it out if necessary. The dressing should be smooth and creamy.

Sixth Step: Assemble the Bowls

1. Layer the Base: Start by spooning a generous portion of quinoa or couscous into each bowl.
2. Add the Vegetables: Arrange the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and shredded carrots in sections over the grain base.
3. Slice the Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and arrange it on top of the vegetables.
4. Top with Cheese and Dressing: Sprinkle feta cheese over the bowl (if using), drizzle with the tahini dressing, and garnish with chopped parsley.
5. Optional Garnish: If desired, add a dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side for extra creaminess.

How to Serve CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls

CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls are perfect for a wide range of occasions. Here are some great ideas for serving this dish:

1. As a Weeknight Dinner

These bowls are quick and easy to prepare, making them a great option for busy weeknights. The combination of healthy protein, grains, and vegetables makes for a satisfying meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

2. For Meal Prep

This dish is ideal for meal prep. You can assemble the bowls ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and have a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner ready to go throughout the week.

3. As a Mediterranean-Inspired Feast

For a larger gathering, you can make several bowls and serve them family-style. These bowls pair perfectly with Mediterranean sides like hummus, baba ganoush, or roasted vegetables.

4. Serve with Fresh Bread

For a more filling meal, serve the bowls with a side of pita bread or flatbread to soak up the delicious tahini dressing and juices from the chicken.

Recipe Variations

While the CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl is fantastic as written, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

1. Spice Level Adjustments

If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of harissa paste in the chicken marinade or replace it with a mild red pepper paste. Alternatively, if you love heat, add extra harissa to the dressing or sprinkle some chili flakes on top.

2. Switch Up the Protein

While chicken is the star of this dish, you can easily substitute it with grilled lamb, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

3. Add Different Grains

Instead of quinoa or couscous, you can use brown rice, farro, or bulgur wheat for a different texture and flavor.

4. Extra Veggies

Feel free to add additional vegetables to the bowl, such as roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Freezing and Storage

These bowls can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To store the chicken separately, place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you plan to freeze the chicken, it can be frozen for up to 3 months, but the vegetables and grains are best stored in the fridge for optimal texture.

Special Equipment

While you don’t need many specialized tools to make CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls, there are a few essential kitchen items that can make the process more efficient and help you achieve the best results:

• Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill: If you don’t have access to a traditional grill, a grill pan for your stovetop will work perfectly. It gives the chicken those desirable char marks and enhances the smoky flavor.
• Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls will be useful for preparing the marinade for the chicken and for mixing the components of the bowls like the rice, vegetables, and sauces.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements for the marinade and sauce ingredients are essential for the right balance of flavors.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to slice the grilled chicken and chop your fresh ingredients for the bowls, ensuring clean cuts and a more appealing presentation.
• Tongs: A good pair of tongs will help you flip and handle the chicken on the grill without losing any of the marinade or juices.
• Whisk: You’ll need a whisk to combine the honey harissa sauce ingredients evenly and to ensure a smooth consistency.
• Large Spoon or Ladle: Use this for serving the rice or any other base, ensuring each bowl is equally portioned.
• Bowl for Tossing: If you decide to add a salad or fresh vegetables to your bowl, a large bowl for tossing everything together is ideal to evenly distribute the ingredients.

These tools will help ensure the process goes smoothly and the ingredients come together perfectly for a delicious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs. However, chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily than thighs, so be sure to monitor the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure they don’t overcook. You may also want to marinate the chicken breasts longer for added moisture.

2. How spicy is the harissa sauce?

The spiciness of the harissa sauce depends on the brand or the homemade recipe you use. If you’re concerned about the heat, you can reduce the amount of harissa in the marinade and sauce or balance it out with a bit more honey or yogurt. You can also find mild harissa versions at the store if you prefer a less spicy dish.

3. Can I make the harissa sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the honey harissa sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This can save you time on busy days and allows the flavors to meld together even more.

4. Is the CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure that all the ingredients used (such as harissa sauce, rice, and any toppings) are gluten-free. Double-check the labels of your harissa and any other packaged products to confirm that they don’t contain gluten.

5. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with other proteins like lamb, turkey, or even plant-based options such as tofu or tempeh. If using tofu or tempeh, marinate them as you would the chicken for added flavor, and cook them on the grill or in a pan until crispy and golden.

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Conclusion

CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls offer a wonderful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. They are packed with healthy ingredients and can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a Mediterranean-inspired feast, these bowls are sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor.