I like to keep a few reliable chicken recipes in my back pocket—ones that are quick, flavorful, and feel a little different from the usual. This Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe checks all the boxes.
The marinade comes together fast, using ingredients I usually have on hand, and the result is this sweet, smoky, spicy chicken that’s incredibly satisfying.
Inspired by Harissa Honey Chicken Cava style, it’s great in a rice bowl or tucked into flatbread with a little tzatziki and greens.
I’ve made this for friends who don’t even like spicy food, and they still ask for seconds. It’s just that good—and it’s one of those recipes that’s easy to memorize after making it once.
Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe
Make this easy Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe at home in just 30 minutes. Sweet, spicy, and perfect for healthy dinners or meal prep.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Course: Main Course
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons harissa sauce (or harissa paste mixed with a bit of water)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Instructions
- Marinate The Chicken
Start by mixing the harissa sauce, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and ground coriander in a bowl. This creates the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Add your chicken breasts to the mixture, making sure they’re fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have the time, marinate for an hour or even overnight for maximum flavor. - Cook The Chicken
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. If you’re grilling, lightly oil the grates. Place the chicken on the grill or skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice golden brown color. Be sure to baste the chicken with extra marinade during cooking to keep it moist and flavorful. - Check For Doneness
Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F, or 75°C, on the inside. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, making each bite super tender and juicy.
Tips And Variations
- Substitute Chicken Thighs: You can absolutely use chicken thighs instead of breasts! Thighs tend to be juicier and even more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may need a bit more time to cook through.
- Make It Ahead: The chicken can be marinated up to a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
- Milder Version: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, reduce the amount of harissa and add a little more honey for a sweeter, milder version.
- Extra Zing: For added freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley over the chicken just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Cava Honey Harissa Chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. My personal favorite? Serve it over a bed of rice or couscous with a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
You can also add it to a salad for a light, flavorful lunch or stuff it into pita bread with fresh veggies for a Mediterranean-style sandwich.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it with roasted veggies or a simple homemade Cava bowl with your favorite grains and greens.
What Is Harissa Honey Chicken?
Harissa honey chicken combines the bold, smoky spice of harissa with the natural sweetness of honey. Harissa is a Tunisian chili paste made from roasted red peppers, spices, and herbs.
When mixed with honey, it adds a sweet contrast that makes this chicken recipe irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of heat and sweet!
Can You Use Harissa Honey Chicken On Thighs?
Yes! You can easily swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs in this recipe. Thighs are typically juicier and can handle a bit more time on the grill or skillet without drying out. Simply ensure that they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Do You Add Honey To Harissa?
Yes, the use of honey helps to temper the heat from the harissa. The sweetness mellows out the spiciness, creating a complex flavor that’s both sweet and fiery. This is what makes harissa honey chicken so special—it’s a flavor bomb!
Conclusion
If you love bold, exciting flavors that are easy to create at home, you’ve got to try this Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe! It’s a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a weekend barbecue.
I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how it turns out and feel free to ask any questions in the comments. Enjoy cooking!
Homemade Cava Honey Harissa Chicken Recipe In Simple Steps
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons harissa sauce or harissa paste mixed with a bit of water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Instructions
Marinate The Chicken
- Start by mixing the harissa sauce, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and ground coriander in a bowl. This creates the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Add your chicken breasts to the mixture, making sure they’re fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have the time, marinate for an hour or even overnight for maximum flavor.
Cook The Chicken
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. If you’re grilling, lightly oil the grates. Place the chicken on the grill or skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice golden brown color. Be sure to baste the chicken with extra marinade during cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
Check For Doneness
- Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F, or 75°C, on the inside. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, making each bite super tender and juicy.
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