Ah, the Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl! Now, this is what I call a meal that can instantly transport you to a sunny, vibrant Mediterranean café, even if you’re sitting in your kitchen dodging laundry piles! I first tried this dish during a trip to a little spot that served bowls piled high with fresh veggies, perfectly spiced proteins, and dollops of creamy goodness. The moment I took the first bite, I was hooked. The sweet warmth of honey combined with the smoky, spicy notes of harissa was simply magic. Perhaps not a fairy tale, but you get the idea!
What makes this bowl so special is how versatile it is. You can mix it up with whatever goodies you have in the fridge, making it a great leftover meal or prepping options for a busy week. Each ingredient brings something delightful to the table—crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and the tanginess of feta cheese. Trust me, this meal will make your taste buds dance!
What’s in Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl?
Chicken Breast: The star of the show! I love using fresh, diced chicken breast for its tenderness and its ability to soak up that delicious marinade.
Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the heat from the harissa. I always go for raw honey if I can find it—it’s just so flavorful!
Harissa Paste: This North African spice blend brings a kick that elevates the dish. You can find it in jars at most grocery stores, and trust me, a little goes a long way.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil not only helps in cooking but also adds richness to the marinade.
Brown Rice or Quinoa: You can use either as a hearty base for this bowl. I like quinoa for its nuttiness and additional protein, but brown rice is a classic choice too!
Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion: These fresh veggies provide a crunchy texture and bright flavor. I recommend pickled red onions for a tangy twist, but fresh is totally an option if you’re feeling it!
Avocado: The creamy king of healthy fats; it makes everything better, doesn’t it?
Feta Cheese: Adds a delightful salty bite. I prefer crumbled feta for that rustic charm!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a burst of color and freshness.
Hummus: Ah, the creamy goodness! Adds flavor and helps all those good veggies stick together.
Pita or Flatbread: I love serving this bowl with warm pita or flatbread to scoop up all the layers of flavor!
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything up—don’t skip it!
Is Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl Good for You?
You better believe it! This bowl is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrition.
– **Chicken Breast:** A lean source of protein that helps keep you full and satisfied.
– **Honey:** Offers quick, natural sugars along with antioxidants. Just be cautious if you’re monitoring your sugar intake!
– **Quinoa or Brown Rice:** Rich in fiber, keeping your digestion just as happy as your taste buds.
– **Fresh Veggies:** Provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—basically a vitamin pill that tastes 100x better!
– **Avocado and Feta:** Give you healthy fats and protein, making this bowl both satisfying and nourishing.
Just keep in mind that while this dish is healthy, portion control is always key, especially if you’re dolloping on that hummus!
Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken breast, diced
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons harissa paste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup red onion, pickled (or fresh, if preferred)
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup hummus
– Pita bread or flatbread, for serving
– Lemon wedges, for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 4, so perfect for sharing or meal prepping for the week!
How to Make Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl?
1. In a bowl, mix together honey, harissa paste, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Add the diced chicken breast to the marinade, coat well, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare your bowl. Start with a base of cooked brown rice or quinoa.
4. Top the base with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, pickled red onion, sliced avocado, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, add it on top of the vegetables in the bowl.
6. Add dollops of hummus in the bowl and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
7. Serve with pita or flatbread on the side and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl!
Serving Suggestions and Tips for the Perfect Bowl!
This meal is as customizable as your mood! Feeling veggie-forward? Swap out or add in roasted veggies like bell peppers or sweet potato. Want to make it vegan? Substitute the chicken for chickpeas, and use a plant-based yogurt instead of hummus.
If you’re looking for a quicker feed, you can also prepare the chicken ahead of time and just warm it up when you’re ready to eat. I often whip up a batch of chicken over the weekend for easy lunches during the week.
Now, you are armed with all the deliciousness and tips to make this fabulous Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and to hear how yours turned out! Let me know if you made any tweaks, or if you’re a hummus lover like me!
