Description
This CAVA Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe delivers bold, spicy, and sweet flavor perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. The chicken is marinated in a spicy harissa blend, seared until golden, and served over rice and fresh toppings with a zesty vinaigrette. It is simple enough for beginner cooks.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 Tablespoons Harissa paste
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- Juice from 1/2 a lemon
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil (for vinaigrette)
- 2 Tablespoons Harissa paste (for vinaigrette, adjust to desired spice level)
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (for vinaigrette)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 garlic cloves minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for vinaigrette)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for vinaigrette)
- 2 cups Cooked Basmati rice
- Mixed salad greens + olive oil to taste
- 1 Ripe avocado sliced
- Pickled red onions to taste
- Crumbled feta or Crazy feta to taste
- Marinated cucumbers and tomatoes
- Hummus to taste
- Pita Chips pita bread, or naan for serving
Instructions
- Toss the chicken with 2 Tablespoons of olive oil, Harissa, honey, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl or bag. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Cook the rice according to package directions. Prep all desired toppings. Toss your greens with a small drizzle of olive oil.
- Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a jar. Whisk to combine or close the lid and shake well. Chill the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs smooth side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until deeply golden-brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches about 160°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board.
- Chop the chicken roughly. Assemble bowls with greens, rice, and desired toppings. Arrange the chopped chicken on top. Drizzle with prepared vinaigrette and serve with warm pita bread.
Notes
- Harissa paste is spicy; adjust the amount to your preferred heat level.
- Cook 1 cup basmati rice according to package directions to yield about 2 cups cooked.
- Use crumbled feta or a whipped feta-style spread.
- Quick marinated cucumbers and tomatoes can be store-bought or made at home.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mediterranean Inspired