Description
Make your own Cava Harissa Chicken Bowl with bold Mediterranean flavors, fresh toppings, and customizable bases for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Harissa Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Base:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice or quinoa
- 4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup hummus
- ½ cup pickled red onions
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds (optional)
For the Sauces:
- Green harissa sauce
- Lemon herb tahini dressing
- Simple lemon vinaigrette
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together harissa paste, olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Pound chicken to an even thickness, add to the marinade, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
3. Cook the chicken by grilling for 5–7 minutes per side, pan-searing for 6–8 minutes per side, or roasting at 425°F for 18–22 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
5. Prepare your chosen base: cook basmati rice or quinoa according to package instructions, or wash and dry mixed greens.
6. If making sauces from scratch, blend or whisk ingredients for green harissa sauce, lemon herb tahini dressing, or lemon vinaigrette until smooth.
7. Assemble bowls by adding the base, sliced harissa chicken, and desired toppings.
8. Drizzle with your preferred sauce and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
Nutritional values are approximate and vary depending on toppings and sauces used.
Meal prep by storing components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing harissa paste.
For a vegan option, substitute harissa-marinated tofu or roasted cauliflower for the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg