Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl Recipe
Emily Wilson
Make your own Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl with this easy, customizable recipe! Enjoy bold flavors and fresh ingredients for a delicious, healthy meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal
For the Harissa Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Base (choose one or mix):
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup hummus
- ½ cup pickled red onions
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds optional
For the Sauces:
- Green harissa sauce recipe below
- Lemon herb tahini dressing recipe below
- Simple lemon vinaigrette recipe below
Preparing the Harissa Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine harissa paste, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a smooth, consistent marinade.
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch) for even cooking. For chicken thighs, trim excess fat.
Add chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2-4 hours, or overnight for more flavor).
Cooking Options:
Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for 18-22 minutes, or until cooked through.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Preparing the Base:
Basmati Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rice with 1½ cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and squeeze some lemon juice if desired.
Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water or broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
Mixed Greens: Wash and dry greens. Toss lightly with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper if desired.
Making the Sauces:
Green Harissa Sauce: Blend cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, cumin, coriander, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth. Add salt to taste.
Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, dill, mint, salt, and pepper. Add water to reach desired consistency.
Simple Lemon Vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Assembling the Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl:
Start with your base (rice, quinoa, or greens) in a bowl.
Add a generous portion of sliced harissa chicken.
Add desired toppings: tzatziki, hummus, pickled onions, feta, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and nuts.
Drizzle with the sauce of your choice (green harissa, tahini dressing, or lemon vinaigrette).
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or dill.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Nutrient
|
Amount
|
Calories
|
550-650 (varies with toppings)
|
Protein
|
35-40g
|
Carbohydrates
|
45-60g
|
Fat
|
25-30g
|
Fiber
|
8-10g
|
Sodium
|
850-950mg
|
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portions used.
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Meal Prep: All components can be stored separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
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Spice Level: Adjust the harissa paste to control the heat.
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Vegan Option: Use harissa-marinated tofu or roasted cauliflower as a substitute for chicken.
Keyword Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl, Chicken Bowl Recipe, Customizable Bowl, Mediterranean Bowl