Name: Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 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; 2 cups cooked basmati rice; 2 cups cooked quinoa; 4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce; 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); Green harissa sauce (cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, cumin, coriander, olive oil, lemon juice, salt); Lemon herb tahini dressing (tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, dill, mint, salt, pepper); Simple lemon vinaigrette (olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 31 reviews

If you are looking for a vibrant and flavor-packed dish to brighten up your weeknight dinners, the Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl Recipe is your new best friend. This bowl brings together tender harissa-marinated chicken with a fresh, colorful base and a variety of zesty toppings and sauces that will make your taste buds dance. It’s a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, tangy, and creamy, giving you a wonderful Mediterranean-inspired meal that is as satisfying as it is nourishing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of fresh ingredients on a white marbled surface. At the top right, there are two raw chicken pieces with a smooth, pale pink texture. Surrounding them are four small white bowls: one with a creamy white sauce with green herbs, two with light beige hummus drizzled with olive oil, and one with crumbled white cheese. In the middle left, there is a pile of cooked quinoa with a fluffy and slightly textured look. Below that, there are slices of fresh cucumber, red onion rings, dark purple olives, and halved red cherry tomatoes all placed neatly in rows. Two small white bowls filled with a thick, deep red sauce are on the left side. Cubes of white feta cheese and some pine nuts are scattered near the bottom left. The colors and textures are clean and fresh, laid out in a visually pleasing way. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to add layers of flavor, vibrant colors, and delightful textures, making this bowl both visually appealing and deliciously balanced.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for easy, juicy protein.
Harissa paste: The star spice blend that delivers that smoky heat signature.
Olive oil: Enhances richness and helps keep the chicken juicy.
Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic punch to the marinade.
Ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika: These spices create complexity and depth.
Honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
Lemon juice: Adds bright acidity for freshness.
Salt and pepper: To season and bring out all the flavors.
Basmati rice, quinoa, or mixed greens: Choose your base or combine for texture variety.
Tzatziki sauce and hummus: Creamy, cooling elements that complement the spice.
Pickled red onions: Tangy crunch that livens every bite.
Feta cheese: Salty, crumbly goodness that pairs perfectly.
Cucumber and cherry tomatoes: Freshness and bright color to lighten the bowl.
Kalamata olives: Briny flavor that adds Mediterranean authenticity.
Toasted pine nuts or almonds (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty note.
Sauces (green harissa, lemon herb tahini, lemon vinaigrette): Dress your bowl uniquely with these tasty finishes.

How to Make Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Harissa Chicken

Start by creating a marinade that packs a flavorful punch. Mix harissa paste with olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth, well-combined mixture. Next, pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness or trim excess fat from thighs to ensure even cooking. Coat your chicken thoroughly in this marinade, cover the bowl, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow those bold flavors to seep in beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

You have great flexibility here — grill, pan-sear, or roast your marinated chicken. Grilling over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side imparts a lovely smoky char, while a skillet on medium-high heat cooks the chicken evenly in about 6-8 minutes per side. If you prefer the oven, roast at 425°F for 18-22 minutes. Whichever method you choose, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing so it stays juicy and tender in your bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Base

Choose from basmati rice, quinoa, or fresh greens to create a satisfying foundation for your bowl. For rice or quinoa, rinse thoroughly before cooking to achieve fluffiness. Both grain options are elevated by a squeeze of bright lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. For a lighter touch, toss mixed greens with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, providing a refreshing bed for the robust chicken.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl Recipe

Now for the fun part: layering your bowl. Start with your chosen base, then pile on the sliced harissa chicken. Next, add your favorite toppings like creamy tzatziki, silky hummus, pickled onions for tang, crumbled feta, fresh cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crunchy nuts if you like. Finally, drizzle your bowl with one of the delicious sauces — the green harissa sauce for an extra punch, lemon herb tahini for nutty creaminess, or a simple lemon vinaigrette for zesty brightness. Garnish with fresh herbs to finish beautifully.

How to Serve Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl Recipe

Three pieces of grilled chicken are shown on a black grill with clear dark grill marks. The chicken has a golden brown color with slightly charred black lines across each piece. The background is blurred with a greenish tone. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, or dill are the perfect crown for your bowl, bringing both color and a refreshing aroma that complements the smoky, spicy chicken. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or sumac can also add texture and a subtle tang that heightens the experience.

Side Dishes

Though the bowl is a meal on its own, consider pairing it with warm pita bread or crispy roasted vegetables for a heartier spread. A simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette also pairs beautifully and keeps the theme light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like jazzing up your presentation? Serve the ingredients separately as a build-your-own bowl party, encouraging everyone to customize their own flavors. Alternatively, use colorful bowls and arrange toppings in neat sections for a beautiful rainbow effect that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover harissa chicken and bowl components in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep sauces separate to prevent sogginess. The chicken stays flavorful for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish again for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, cooked harissa chicken freezes well. Place chicken slices in freezer-safe bags, separating portions with parchment paper. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use and reheat gently to maintain juiciness.

Reheating

Warm your chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave briefly to preserve tenderness and flavor. Reheat grains or greens separately and add fresh toppings after warming to keep textures vibrant and fresh.

FAQs

Can I make the harissa paste from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade harissa allows you to adjust the heat level and flavor profile exactly to your liking using a blend of chili peppers, garlic, spices, and olive oil. However, quality store-bought harissa paste is also a fantastic time saver and full of authentic flavor.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great choice because they tend to stay juicier and have more flavor. Just trim any excess fat and follow the same marinating and cooking instructions for best results.

Can I prepare the entire bowl vegetarian?

Of course! Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas, grilled halloumi, or marinated tofu, and keep all your favorite toppings and sauces. The base and dressings provide plenty of flavor to keep the dish satisfying and fresh.

What’s the best sauce to pair with this dish?

That really depends on your mood! The green harissa sauce adds an extra spicy kick, the lemon herb tahini offers a creamy, nutty contrast, and the lemon vinaigrette brightens everything up. Feel free to experiment or offer all three for dipping.

Can I prepare components in advance for meal prep?

Definitely. Marinate and cook the chicken ahead of time, cook your grain or prepare your greens, and portion out your toppings and sauces. Assemble fresh when ready to eat for a quick, nutritious meal any day.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that is bursting with flavor, easy to make, and endlessly customizable, the Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl Recipe is the perfect go-to. It’s a celebration of vibrant Mediterranean ingredients and bold spices that come together beautifully in one bowl. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself wanting it on repeat. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl full of sunshine and spice!