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CAVA Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

CAVA Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

CAVA Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe is my favorite way to recreate one of CAVA’s most popular menu items at home. If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy that sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy chicken without leaving your kitchen, this recipe is for you.
The first time I made it, I was surprised by how a simple honey-harissa marinade turned ordinary chicken into something that tasted just like my favorite restaurant bowl. It’s now one of those dependable dinners I make again and again because the leftovers are just as delicious in salads, grain bowls, or warm pita the next day.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs – 2 pounds
  • Harissa paste – 3 tablespoons
  • Honey – 3 tablespoons
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic minced – 4 cloves
  • Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
  • Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
  • Ground coriander – 1 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes optional – ¼ teaspoon
  • Chopped fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons
  • Lemon wedges – for serving

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Tongs
  • Large skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill
  • Meat thermometer
  • Serving platter

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Marinade
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper until smooth. I always sneak a tiny taste at this point to see if I want a little more honey or an extra squeeze of lemon.
    Mixing Harissa Honey Marinade
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
  1. Add the chicken thighs and toss until every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2 to 4 hours gives the flavors much more time to soak in. I’ve even left it overnight, and the chicken turned out incredibly tender.
    Marinating the Chicken
Step 3: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
  1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, or preheat your outdoor grill to about 400°F. A properly heated pan helps create those delicious caramelized edges instead of steaming the chicken.
    Preheating the Grill Pan
Step 4: Cook the First Side
  1. Place the chicken on the hot surface, leaving a little space between each piece. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes without moving it too much. That’s the trick I learned after many impatient flips: the crust develops best when you simply let it cook.
    Searing Harissa Honey Chicken
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
  1. Turn the chicken over with tongs and cook another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If the honey begins browning quickly, lower the heat slightly so it doesn’t burn.
    Cooking Chicken Until Perfectly Done
Step 6: Let the Chicken Rest
  1. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. It may be tempting to slice it right away, but those few minutes help keep every bite nice and juicy.
    Resting the Cooked Chicken
Step 7: Slice and Garnish
  1. Slice the chicken into strips and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for a bright finish. I almost always add that squeeze of lemon right before eating because it wakes up all the flavors.
    Serving Homemade CAVA Harissa Honey Chicken

Notes

Each serving has about 360 calories, depending on the cut of chicken and how much glaze you brush on at the end. I like making a little extra marinade because everyone in my house always asks for another drizzle over their rice bowl.