Spicy Harissa Honey Chicken Bowls (Cava Bowls)

If you love bold Mediterranean flavors and easy weeknight meals, this Spicy Harissa Honey Chicken Bowl is about to become a new go-to. Juicy, marinated chicken thighs, a balance of sweet heat, fresh herbs, and creamy toppings come together in one balanced, nutrient-packed bowl. Inspired by CAVA but made right at home, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, totally customizable, and perfect for meal prep. 🌿✨

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Why You'll Love This Cava Recipe

• Inspired by Cava's iconic honey harissa chicken
• Spicy-sweet flavor from a dreamy harissa honey marinade
• Packed with protein and veggies
• Great for meal prep
• Naturally gluten-free (with tips below!)

How to Make these Cava Bowls at Home!

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Rice
• 8-10 Chicken Thighs
• 1 Large Cucumber
• 1 Cup Tomatoes chopped
• ½ Red Onion chopped
• ½ Cup Parsley chopped
• 2 Cups Arugula

Harissa Honey Chicken Marinade

• 2 Tablespoons Harissa Paste
• 2 TablespoonsHoney
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder

Toppings

• Kalamata Olives
• Feta Cheese
• Tzatziki
• Hummus
• Pickled Red Onions

Step-By-Step

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together harissa paste, honey, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Add chicken thighs and toss until fully coated. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes (up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).

Cook the Chicken: You have two killer options here:

• Broil: Preheat your oven to 500°F and broil chicken thighs on a baking sheet for about 15 minutes until slightly charred and cooked through.
• Grill: Fire up your grill and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until nicely charred.

You want that sweet-spicy caramelization on the outside while keeping the meat juicy!

Prep the Base & Veggies: While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice according to package directions. Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Toss together for a simple Mediterranean-style salad.

Assemble Your Bowl: Start with a rice base. Add your salad mix and a handful of arugula. Top with sliced chicken thighs, then pile on olives, feta, hummus, tzatziki, and pickled red onions.

Optional Garnishes! Extra drizzle of harissa-honey sauce, fresh lemon juice, or a pinch of sumac.

Substitutions & Alternative Ingredients

Protein Swaps

If you're not feeling chicken thighs, chicken breasts are a leaner option-just reduce the cook time slightly. For plant-based eaters, extra-firm tofu works well when marinated the same way, and chickpeas are great roasted in the harissa honey marinade until crispy. Even roasted cauliflower makes a flavorful, meatless alternative.

Grain & Base Options

Rice is a solid base, but feel free to experiment. Quinoa adds extra protein. Lentils and farro bring hearty texture, while couscous gives a softer bite (though farro and couscous aren't gluten-free). For low-carb diets, cauliflower rice is a great substitute that still holds up under all the toppings.

Sauce and Marinade Alternatives

No harissa on hand? You can DIY a version using chili garlic sauce, a touch of cumin, and a splash of lemon juice. You can also blend sriracha with smoked paprika for a similar kick. No honey? Maple syrup or agave will still balance out the spice.

Topping Twists

If you're dairy-free, swap feta for a plant-based alternative, goat cheese, or skip it altogether. Can't find tzatziki? A quick mix of Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and lemon juice gets the job done. Add crunch with toasted pine nuts, crispy chickpeas, or sliced radishes.

This bowl is your canvas. Don't be afraid to experiment-it's hard to go wrong! ✨

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Homemade Tzatziki & Hummus Recipes

Making your own sauces is easier than it sounds and adds a fresh, personalized flavor that store-bought can't match.

Homemade Tzatziki

To make creamy, tangy tzatziki at home, mix together 2 cups of Greek yogurt with ½ cup finely chopped, peeled cucumber. Add the juice of 1 lemon, ½ tablespoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ tablespoon garlic powder. Stir well and let it chill for 20-30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. It's cool, refreshing, and perfect with spicy chicken.

Homemade Hummus

For a smooth, flavorful hummus, drain and rinse 2 cans of chickpeas and add them to a food processor along with 3 tablespoons tahini, juice from 2 lemons, 4 cloves of garlic, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a little water or olive oil for consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Done and delicious.

Meal Prep Tips

• Store components separately for max freshness
• Chicken lasts up to 6 days in the fridge
• Great cold or reheated-just add fresh greens last-minute
• Layer bowls in jars for easy grab-and-go lunches

Grilling vs. Broiling: What's Best for Harissa Honey Chicken?

Both grilling and broiling work beautifully for this recipe-but they deliver slightly different results depending on what you're going for. Here's a breakdown so you can choose the method that fits your vibe (and your kitchen situation).

Grilling: Smoky Char + Outdoor Vibes

Temperature: Medium-high to high heat (~400-450°F)
Method: Preheat your grill, then cook chicken thighs for about 7 minutes per side with the lid closed, until they're cooked through and lightly charred.

Flavor Outcome: You'll get that deep, smoky, almost campfire-style char that makes harissa really stand out. The grill's open flame caramelizes the honey beautifully, creating crispy edges and juicy centers.

Best For: Backyard BBQs, meal prep with a smoky twist, or when you just want that restaurant-level char.

Broiling: High Heat, Indoor-Friendly

Temperature: Broil setting (~500°F)
Method: Place chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil on the top oven rack for about 15 minutes.

Flavor Outcome: Still delivers a nicely charred outside, just slightly less smoky & the honey in the marinade caramelize under intense heat, giving you crispy, flavorful skin with a juicy interior.

Best For: Quick indoor dinners, apartment living, or when grilling isn't an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does harissa taste like? Harissa is a North African chili paste that's spicy, smoky, and slightly tangy. When mixed with honey, it becomes perfectly balanced.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes! Just reduce the cooking time and monitor for dryness.

Is this recipe good for meal prep? Totally. It holds up well and you can even freeze the cooked chicken.

How do I make the bowl less spicy? Use less harissa or add extra honey to mellow out the heat.

Is this bowl low-carb? Swap rice for cauliflower rice to keep it lower in carbs.

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes-use dairy-free tzatziki, skip the feta or use a vegan version, and check that your hummus is dairy-free (most are).

Can I freeze the chicken? Absolutely. Cooked marinated chicken freezes well and reheats without drying out.

What vegetables work best? Tomatoes, cucumber, arugula, and onion give it a fresh crunch, but you can add shredded carrots, bell pepper, or roasted veggies based on what you have.

What can I use instead of hummus? Try baba ganoush, a white bean dip, or even a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Is this bowl kid-friendly? Yes! You can adjust the heat level by using less harissa and keep toppings simple based on your kids' preferences.

Enjoy!

This Spicy Harissa Honey Chicken Bowl is your homemade answer to CAVA cravings. It's simple, vibrant, and loaded with fresh Mediterranean flavors that check all the healthy-living boxes. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or making dinner for friends, this recipe hits every note-sweet, spicy, creamy, crunchy.

Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy 🌿

📖 Recipe