Ultimate Homemade CAVA Harissa Chicken Bowl Recipe

If you’ve ever stood in line at CAVA Harissa Chicken Bowl during lunch rush, you already know the cult following is real. The build-your-own Mediterranean bowl concept has taken fast-casual dining to another level, and at the heart of its most crave-worthy creations? The spicy, smoky, slightly sweet harissa chicken. Whether you’re obsessed with their Harissa Avocado Chicken Bowl or a die-hard fan of that tangy Harissa Honey glaze, this flavor bomb is the soul of CAVA.

But what if we told you that you could recreate this magical bowl at home—with fresher ingredients, bolder flavor, and a price tag your wallet will actually thank you for? That’s exactly what we’re doing here. This guide walks you through how to make a homemade version of CAVA’s harissa chicken bowl that’s not only easy but arguably better than the real deal.

Let’s dive fork-first into the flavorful world of DIY Mediterranean bowls.

Understanding CAVA’s Harissa Chicken Bowls

CAVA is the lovechild of fast food convenience and wholesome, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine. Known for its fully customizable bowls, this fast-casual chain gives you everything from greens to grains, hummus to hot sauce.

Among their biggest hits? The Harissa Avocado Chicken Bowl and the Harissa Honey Chicken Bowl—two fan-favorites that marry bold flavors with fresh toppings. The usual suspects you’ll find in one of these bowls include:

• Harissa-marinated grilled chicken
• A hearty base (white rice, basmati, or greens)
• Creamy avocado
• Pickled red onions
• Crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes
• Feta (sometimes their zesty “Crazy Feta”)
• Dollops of hummus and tzatziki
• A drizzle of harissa vinaigrette
• Sometimes, a little sweet kick from corn or honey

It’s a satisfying combo of heat, tang, crunch, and creamy goodness.

Why Make This CAVA Harissa Chicken Recipe at Home?

Aside from the fact that you won’t have to wait in line behind a guy debating whether he wants lentils or rice (we’ve all been there), there are loads of perks to making this bowl yourself:

• It’s Cheaper – You can feed a whole family with the cost of two CAVA bowls.
• Healthier Options – Customize it to be low-carb, high-protein, dairy-free—whatever your diet needs.
• Flavor Control – Want it spicier? Go wild. Hate pickled onions? Leave them out.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Cook once, eat healthy all week.
• Taste Level: Home-Chef Hero – The flavor? Restaurant quality. Maybe even better.

The Star Ingredient: Harissa Paste

So, what exactly is this magical harissa?

Originating from North Africa, harissa paste is a rich, fiery blend of hot chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and spices like cumin, caraway, and coriander. Think of it as the cooler, more worldly cousin of sriracha—with extra personality. It’s the backbone of both the chicken marinade and the vinaigrette that ties the bowl together.

You can find it in most grocery stores (check the international aisle), or online. Great brands to look for include Mina, Trader Joe’s, or DEA if you’re going for gourmet.

Ingredients List for Your CAVA Harissa Chicken Recipe

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2–3 tbsp harissa paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey (optional but lovely)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional for extra tenderness)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt & pepper
• 1 tsp each: paprika, cumin, onion powder, coriander
• Optional: dash of cayenne, ras el hanout, or ginger

For the Harissa Vinaigrette:

• 2 tbsp harissa paste
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Optional: minced shallot, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, oregano, cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Water to thin if needed

For the Bowl:

• Base: rice (white, brown, or cauliflower), quinoa, lentils, or greens
• Greens: arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens
• Avocado, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Persian or English cucumber, diced
• Pickled red onions
• Crumbled feta or Crazy Feta
• Fire-roasted corn
• Hummus and tzatziki
• Optional extras: olives, grilled eggplant, red pepper, pita chips

Timing for Your CAVA Harissa Chicken Recipe

• Prep Time: 15–30 minutes
• Marinate Time: Ideally 2 hours, but at least 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Rest Time: 5–10 minutes
• Assembly Time: 10 minutes

Total time? Anywhere from 30 minutes (if you’re skipping marinating) to about 2.5 hours if you’re making everything from scratch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl or Ziploc bag, combine all marinade ingredients. Trim chicken, pat dry, and toss in marinade to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for flavor heaven). Bring to room temp before cooking if time allows.

Step 2: Make the Harissa Vinaigrette

Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients in a jar or bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a splash of warm water if it’s too thick. Refrigerate until needed—it keeps well for a week.

Step 3: Prep the Bowl Ingredients

While the chicken marinates or cooks, get your bowl goodies ready:

• Cook rice or base.
• Dice veggies.
• Crumble feta.
• Sauté or grill corn.
• Prep or grab hummus and tzatziki.
• Slice avocado and rinse greens.

Tip: Pickled onions can be made quickly by soaking red onion slices in vinegar, sugar, and salt for 15–30 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Choose your method:

Grilling:

Preheat grill to 425–500°F. Oil the grates. Grill chicken 4–7 minutes per side, until cooked through (165°F internal). Rest before slicing.

Stovetop:

Heat skillet with a bit of oil. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side. Add a splash of honey at the end for that signature glaze.

Oven:

Bake at 400°F for 25–35 minutes. Broil at the end for a charred finish.

Air Fryer:

Yep, you can! 380°F for 12–15 minutes depending on size.

Let chicken rest, then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Start with your base. Layer on chicken, veggies, avocado, corn, and feta. Add a generous scoop of hummus and tzatziki. Drizzle with that beautiful harissa vinaigrette.

Serve with warm pita on the side and revel in your culinary greatness.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

• Calories: 500–700 per bowl
• Protein: 40–55g
• Carbs: 25–75g
• Fat: 15–30g
• High in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium

Disclaimer: Your numbers may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. But yes—it’s a balanced, high-protein meal!

Healthier Alternatives and Customization

• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice or greens only
• Vegan: Sub chicken for tofu or tempeh, use agave instead of honey
• Spice Control: Use less harissa or pick a milder brand
• Protein Swap: Try grilled shrimp, lamb, or even falafel
• Store-Bought Shortcuts: Pre-pickled onions, hummus, and vinaigrette make life easier
• Dairy-Free: Skip feta and tzatziki or use vegan versions

Serving Suggestions

• Bowl it up with rice and greens
• Toss everything into a pita or wrap
• Serve as a hearty salad
• Plate it mezze-style with sides and dips
• Add extra vinaigrette on the side for dipping pita chips

Tips for Success and Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t Skip the Marinate – That’s where the flavor lives.
• Cook to 165°F – No one wants dry chicken.
• Rest Your Chicken – Juicy meat = happy mouth.
• Adjust Your Spice – Not all harissas are created equal.
• Make Components Ahead – Your future self will thank you.
• Use a Meat Thermometer – It’s not cheating. It’s smart.

Storing Tips

• Store components separately
• Chicken lasts 3–4 days refrigerated
• Vinaigrette lasts 1 week
• Greens should be kept dry and undressed
• Reheat before reassembling for optimal taste

FAQs

What does harissa taste like?

Smoky, spicy, earthy—like a campfire met a chili pepper in the best way.

Where can I buy harissa?

Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, online, or even Target in some areas.

Can I make this vegan or low-carb?

Yep! Use tofu or cauliflower rice. Skip the dairy, sub the honey.

Do I have to marinate the chicken?

Technically no. But marinating = flavor. Flavor = happy tastebuds.

Do I need a dressing if I have hummus?

Not necessarily. But that harissa vinaigrette? Chef’s kiss.

Conclusion

Making your own CAVA-style harissa chicken bowl at home isn’t just doable—it’s a downright revelation. It’s fast, flavorful, flexible, and friendly on your budget. You get to control every single ingredient and tweak it to your taste, dietary needs, and mood.

So what are you waiting for? Fire up that stove, grab your harissa, and channel your inner Mediterranean chef. Who knows—you might even forget about that CAVA line altogether.

Shrimp and Avocado Wraps

Best Chicken Pita for Weeknight Dinners