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Easy Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls (CAVA Copycat)

Close-up of a bowl filled with white rice, topped with glazed harissa chicken pieces, arugula, and sesame seeds.
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Make restaurant-quality Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls at home. This recipe delivers juicy, spicy-sweet chicken perfect for quick weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup harissa paste
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For Serving (CAVA Style): Cooked basmati rice, mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, pickled onions, optional tahini dressing

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 to the marinade. Toss well to coat every piece completely. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
  4. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until deeply caramelized, cooked through, and juicy inside (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
  5. Remove the chicken from the heat.
  6. Assemble your bowls: Place a base of basmati rice and mixed greens in each bowl. Top with the cooked harissa chicken and your desired fresh vegetables. Drizzle with dressing if using.

Notes

  • For an even quicker weeknight meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and toss it with the honey harissa sauce in the skillet just to heat through and coat.
  • If you prefer a sheet pan harissa chicken, spread the marinated pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes.
  • To make a simple harissa vinaigrette, whisk 2 tablespoons harissa paste with 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/easy-harissa-chicken-bowls-cava-copycat/