Cava Grilled Chicken Bowl Recipe (Copycat Mediterranean Bowl)

This homemade Cava chicken bowl is a delicious, flavor-packed meal that’s spot on to the one you'll get in stores. It has harissa-marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette that ties all of that deliciousness together. The grilled chicken turns out so tender this bowl is healthy, filling, and loaded with vibrant flavors. Serve it alongside my copycat Cava crazy feta dip and homemade Cava pita chips for the full experience.

Why I Love This Cava Bowl Recipe

I recently took a trip to Chicago and tried Cava’s signature grilled chicken for the first time. And, I've got to be honest, it was love at first bite. In fact, it was so good I went 3 times in a 4 day trip. I know, I know, it sounds like overkill, but we don't have Cava's in Buffalo, so I had to get my fill while I could. 

So, after tasting CAVA’s bowl, I was determined to recreate it. I experimented with spice combinations and marinade times until I got pretty darn close to the real thing. This recipe has everything you love about the restaurant - the harissa gives the chicken a warm, smoky heat, while the honey balances everything with a hint of sweetness, and then the bowl is filled with fresh ingredients like cucumber, pickled onions, and creamy avocado.

Plus, just a handful of steps are all you have to follow to make it!

It's tough to beat all that.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: This bowl tastes just like the famous CAVA chicken bowl – tender harissa-marinated chicken, tangy dressing, and all. You get your Mediterranean fix without leaving the house (or changing out of pajamas!).
• Big Bold Flavors: Smoky harissa, a touch of sweet honey, and zesty lemon make for an irresistible combo. Every bite is packed with layers of flavor, from the juicy spiced chicken to the crisp, fresh veggies.
• Healthy & Satisfying: Loaded with lean protein and colorful veggies, this bowl is as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s a feel-good meal that will keep you full and happy (your body and taste buds will thank you!).
• Weeknight-Friendly: With a simple marinade and quick cook time, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Just a few steps and one skillet – perfect for busy nights when you want a great dinner fast.
• Customizable & Meal-Prep Ready: You can swap in your favorite grain or extra toppings to make it your own. Plus, all the components can be prepped ahead, so you can assemble awesome bowls in minutes when hunger strikes.

Cava Chicken Bowl Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ tablespoon harissa paste (use mild or spicy to your preference – this is the key flavor)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Harissa Vinaigrette:

• ½ tablespoon harissa paste
• ½ tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 tablespoon olive oil

Other Components and Toppings:

• 2 cups cooked Basmati rice
• ½ avocado, sliced
• ½ cup pickled red onion
• ½ cup crumbled feta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 Persian cucumber, diced
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or greens
• Pita chips

Ingredient Spotlight: Harissa

Harissa is the star ingredient that makes this chicken bowl sing! If you’ve never tried it, harissa is a North African chili paste made from red peppers, spices (like cumin and coriander), garlic, and olive oil. It has a smoky, warm heat – more of a deep, spicy flavor than an overwhelmingly hot spice.

In this recipe, harissa is central because it infuses the chicken with that signature kick and rich color, and it’s also whisked into the vinaigrette that ties the whole bowl together.

Think of harissa as the secret sauce behind CAVA’s crave-worthy chicken – it brings the mellow heat and bold, savory depth that makes each bite so delicious. You can find harissa paste in most grocery stores (international aisle) or Middle Eastern markets, and a little bit of it goes a long way in building flavor.

How to Make a Cava-Style Grilled Chicken Bowl at Home

Again, just 5 simple steps are all you have to follow to make this Mediterranean grilled chicken recipe. 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, olive oil, harissa, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and spices. Mix well and let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, then lower the heat, add butter and honey, and cook for 1-2 more minutes until glazed.

Set aside to rest, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Harissa Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together harissa paste, honey, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

In each bowl, add a base of Basmati rice.

Arrange the chopped chicken, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, pickled red onions, and crumbled feta around the bowl.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Top with the harissa vinaigrette and add pita chips on the side for a bit of crunch. Enjoy!

My Expert Tips For Making the Best Cava Chicken Bowl

• Grill It for Extra Flavor: If you have a grill, try it out! Grilling the harissa-marinated chicken adds an amazing smoky char. Cook the thighs over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through. (No grill? You can also bake the chicken in a 400°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until juicy and done.)

• Chicken Thighs for the Win: Chicken thighs are the juicy MVP of this recipe – they stay tender and flavorful even with high heat. If you prefer to use chicken breasts, you absolutely can, just be sure to adjust the cooking time (breasts cook faster) and watch carefully so they don’t dry out.

• Let It Rest: Resist the urge to slice into the chicken right away. Let the cooked chicken rest on a plate for about 5 minutes before chopping it into pieces. This little break helps the juices redistribute, meaning every bite will be super tender and moist.

• Finish with Butter and Honey: Don’t skip that final step of adding butter and honey to the pan! It creates a glossy, caramelized coating on the chicken that locks in moisture and gives extra flavor. That buttery honey glaze is what makes the chicken taste just like the original (because everything’s better with a tiny bit of butter, right?).

FAQ's About This Recipe

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, too, but you'll want to adjust the cooking time as breasts typically cook faster than thighs.

How do I store leftovers?

I recommend storing your bowl components separately - I like keeping the chicken, veggies, and rice all separate - in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Then, just reassemble everything before serving.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not really. Harissa has a mild spice level, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less harissa.

Can I add different toppings?

Absolutely! Roasted veggies, hummus, or olives make great additions to Cava bowls.

What other grains can I use?

Quinoa, couscous, or farro are good alternatives if you want to switch things up.

Can I make this bowl ahead of time or for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken a day ahead (the longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets).

Cook the chicken and let it cool, and prep all your veggies and rice in advance. Store each component separately in the fridge (the chicken, grains, veggies, and dressing each in airtight containers).

When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and rice, then assemble your bowl and drizzle on the harissa vinaigrette. Everything stays fresh, and you get quick, delicious meals for days.

How can I adjust the spice or sweetness to my taste?

This bowl is easy to tweak so it’s just right for you. For more heat, add an extra teaspoon of harissa to the marinade or vinaigrette (or even a pinch of cayenne pepper) to amp up the kick. Prefer it milder? Use a little less harissa than called for, and consider adding a dollop of hummus or tzatziki on your bowl to cool things down.

If you love a sweeter profile (that sweet-and-spicy contrast), stir an extra drizzle of honey into the vinaigrette. And if you want less sweetness, you can simply reduce the honey in both the marinade and the dressing – the flavors will still be deliciously balanced.

What can I use if I can’t find harissa paste?

Harissa has a unique smoky-chili flavor, but you can get close in a pinch. If you can’t find jarred harissa, try using an Asian chili garlic paste (like sambal oelek) or a squirt of sriracha mixed with a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it.

Adding a ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of cumin to that mix will mimic some of harissa’s signature warmth. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still give your chicken a nice spicy, smoky kick. (And next time, you might want to order a jar of harissa online or check a Middle Eastern market – it’s a game-changer ingredient!)

My Final Thoughts

This homemade Cava chicken bowl is a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

Whether you're making this recipe for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this bowl brings tons of delicious Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen and tastebuds.

As always, I hope you love this recipe as much as I/we do. If you make it, let me know how it goes in the comments.

More Copycat Recipes to Try Next

• Cava's crazy feta dip
• Chicken Big Mac
• Costco chicken bake
• Bojangles fried chicken
• Dave's hot chicken
• Popeyes fried chicken
• Church's chicken
• Raising Cane's chicken and sauce
• Little Caesars Crazy Puffs