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Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls (CAVA Copycat)

Close-up of a bowl featuring white rice topped with glazed, spicy harissa chicken pieces and fresh chopped tomatoes and cucumbers.
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Make a flavorful Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl inspired by CAVA. This recipe features tender, spicy-sweet chicken, grains, and fresh vegetables for an easy weeknight meal or meal prep option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup harissa paste
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked grain (rice or quinoa)
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup chopped tomato
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • For the Vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon harissa paste, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine harissa paste, honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well to create the marinade.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, toss to coat completely, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your sheet pan or air fryer according to method preference.
  4. If baking, spread the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and slightly caramelized. If using an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
  5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together the vinaigrette ingredients until emulsified.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked grain among serving bowls. Top with the cooked harissa chicken, chopped cucumber, and chopped tomato.
  7. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the bowls and sprinkle with feta cheese, if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a sheet pan meal, add chopped zucchini and red onion to the pan with the chicken for roasting.
  • If you prefer a tangier sauce, increase the lemon juice in the chicken marinade slightly.
  • This chicken is excellent for meal prep; store the components separately and assemble just before eating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/harissa-chicken-bowls-cava-copycat-recipe/