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Easy Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls (CAVA Copycat)

Close-up of a bowl featuring bright red harissa chicken pieces over white rice, mixed greens, and drizzled with a white yogurt sauce.

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Make restaurant-quality Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls at home. This recipe features tender chicken marinated in a spicy-sweet harissa glaze, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup harissa paste
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For Serving: Cooked basmati rice, mixed greens, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, pita bread
  • For Yogurt Drizzle: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, pinch of salt

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 chicken pieces to the marinade, toss to coat completely, and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. Prepare the yogurt drizzle: Mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cilantro, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  4. Cook the chicken: You can bake, grill, or pan-fry. For baking, spread the chicken on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, until cooked through and slightly caramelized. For grilling or pan-frying, cook over medium-high heat until done.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with mixed greens and your chosen vegetables. Add the cooked harissa chicken.
  6. Drizzle generously with the creamy yogurt sauce before serving. Serve with warm pita bread if desired.

Notes

  • For an extra smoky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade.
  • This chicken is excellent for meal prep; store the chicken, rice, and sauce separately and assemble just before eating.
  • If you prefer a tangier sauce, substitute the lemon juice in the drizzle with a splash of apple cider vinegar.

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