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Easy Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls (CAVA Copycat)

Close-up of a bowl filled with white rice topped with bright red, glazed harissa chicken pieces and fresh cilantro.
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Make this popular, flavorful Honey Harissa Chicken at home. This recipe delivers tender, spicy-sweet chicken perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping CAVA-style bowls.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup harissa paste
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For Serving (Bowls): Cooked basmati rice, mixed greens, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, optional cilantro yogurt sauce

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the harissa paste, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Add the cut chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until every piece is fully coated in the marinade.
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to let the flavors develop.
  4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  5. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges. For extra browning, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  7. While the chicken bakes, prepare your bowl components: cook rice, chop vegetables, and mix any desired sauce.
  8. Assemble your bowls: place a bed of rice and greens, top with the hot Honey Harissa Chicken, and add your fresh vegetables. Drizzle with sauce if using.

Notes

  • For a CAVA copycat vinaigrette, whisk together 2 tablespoons harissa, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of salt.
  • If you prefer grilling, cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until done.
  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts, making them a good choice for meal prep.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/harissa-chicken-recipe-easy-honey-bowls/