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Easy Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls (CAVA Copycat)

Close-up of a bowl filled with white rice, fresh greens, cucumber chunks, and pieces of glazed harissa chicken.
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Make a flavorful CAVA copycat at home with this easy Honey Harissa Chicken recipe. This dish features tender chicken marinated in a spicy-sweet sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 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
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For Serving: Cooked basmati rice, chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Creamy Cilantro Yogurt Sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  4. If baking, spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
  5. If grilling, thread the chicken onto skewers (if desired) or place directly on the grates. Grill for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through and marked.
  6. To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes.
  7. Place the cooked Honey Harissa Chicken on top of the vegetables. Drizzle with Creamy Cilantro Yogurt Sauce, if using.

Notes

  • For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and toss it with the warm marinade mixture before serving.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep; store the chicken, rice, and vegetables separately and assemble just before eating.
  • If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of harissa paste by one quarter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/easy-honey-harissa-chicken-bowls-cava-copycat/