The Best Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe

Cava Honey Harissa Chicken is a delicious recipe that combines the spicy heat of harissa with the sweetness of honey to create a perfect marinade for tender chicken thighs. This Mediterranean-inspired meal has a smoky and sweet flavor and is usually served with fresh vegetables and a side of a refreshing dipping sauce.

This chicken dish is great for any occasion and easy to prepare. You can easily customize it to your taste preferences by adjusting the harissa sauce or honey amount.

Cava Harissa Chicken Thighs are simple and tasty, using just a few ingredients to create a bold flavor. Whether served over brown rice, on a bed of greens, or with Mediterranean sides, it’s a satisfying meal that is sure to impress.

Ingredients for this Cava Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: are rich and tender, absorb marinade well, and stay juicy due to higher fat content.
• Olive Oil: is essential for both cooking and marinating.
• Harissa Paste: adds a bold and smoky heat to the dish.
• Honey: balances the spiciness of harissa and creates a glaze while cooking the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: adds brightness and tenderness to the dish.
• Garlic Cloves: adds a pungent taste, pairing well with the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Salt: enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
• Black Pepper: adds a little bit of heat.

How to make this Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, harissa paste, honey, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat them evenly in the harissa marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot enough, add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, then flip and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes or until the chicken reaches the internal temperature of 165F.
3. Set the chicken aside and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. 
4. Serve the cooked chicken over a bed of rice and drizzle with any remaining pan juices. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve with your favorite homemade Cava bowl components like sweet potatoes, greens, hummus, or pita bread.

Recipe Tips for Perfect Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Thighs

• Choose Quality Ingredients: using high-quality chicken, fresh garlic, and a good harissa paste will make a big difference in this recipe. 
• Adjust the Heat Level: if you’re not the biggest fan of spice, add less harissa paste. If you want more heat, adjust your spice level by adding red pepper flakes. 
• Marination Time: can make a huge difference in this recipe. I recommend 30 minutes minimum to marinade, but you can marinade your chicken thighs up to 4 hours for extra flavor. 
• Resting the Chicken: allow your chicken to rest before cutting into it to keep it extra juicy. Be sure to spoon the pan juices over your chicken, which will also add flavor and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out easily and they’re a leaner cut of meat. I like to use chicken thighs in this recipe because of the texture and juiciness. 

What can I do if my dish turns out too spicy?

If your dish is spicier than you expected, try adding a cooling side like Greek yogurt or a tzatziki sauce. You can also add a bit more honey to make it sweeter, which will help reduce some of the spice. Cucumber salad is also a great refreshing side to serve with this meal. 

Can I use store-bought harissa sauce instead of paste?

If you accidentally pick up harissa sauce instead of paste, you will just have to adjust the quantity you use. Harissa sauce is a little more diluted than the paste so you will have to add more. I recommend tasting as you go to, especially if your sauce has a lot of salt. You don’t want your marinate to turn out too salty.

Can I prepare this spicy chicken ahead of time?

You can marinate your chicken ahead of time and leave it in the fridge for up to 4 hours to marinate. When you’re ready, take your chicken out and start cooking! You can also store your cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days, making this recipe great for meal prep.

What should I serve with Cava Honey Harissa Chicken?

This chicken goes well with many different sides. You can pair it with rice, quinoa or a bed of fresh greens. For harissa chicken bowls, you can add roasted sweet potatoes, Persian cucumbers, pickled red onions, and a dollop of hummus. You can also serve it with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a cucumber-tomato salad. 

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

You can store the leftover Honey Harissa Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, put the chicken in the skillet with a little bit of water or chicken broth and warm at medium-low heat. You can also microwave your chicken at 30-second intervals until it is hot all the way through. Use your leftovers in salads, wraps, and harissa honey chicken bowls. 

The Best Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe