Cava Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Flavorful Mediterranean-Inspired Dish

What is Cava Chicken?

This homemade Cava ChickenRecipe is going to have you wanting more, just like the popular Mediterranean chain! This chicken is marinated in an aromatic mixture of Mediterranean spices, grilled or pan-seared, and served with all the bright, fragrant components you crave in a CAVA bowl.

Ideal for meal prepping, serving at family spread, or packing up for lunch, this Cava ChickenRecipe is a perfect option if you’re just looking for something fresh, spicy, and good! The chicken is juicy and tender, and the spices and marinade get the absolute best out of it, so it’s full of flavor.

Ingredients & Substitutions Of Cava Chicken Recipe

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

Chicken thighs would work as well if you like dark meat. If using thighs, cook for several minutes longer (to be safe).

Cava Marinade

The marinade is what makes this recipe. It has olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika and assorted Mediterranean spices that infuse the chicken with flavor. You can buy premade Cava-inspired marinades at the store, or you can make your own from scratch.

Olive Oil

Olive oil serves as the base for the marinade. You can use avocado oil in place of it if necessary.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice will work well to help tenderize the chicken and really bring out bright flavors.

Kosher Salt

Kosher salt brings out the natural flavors of the chicken. The only type of salt you should use is kosher salt.

Garlic Powder & Ground Spices

Garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground coriander for earthy, smoky taste with a kick.

Honey (Optional)

CAVA’s signature chicken has a sweet note, which you can mimic with honey in the marinade and at the table.

How to Make Cava Chicken Recipe

This Cava Chicken Recipe is so simple, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Here’s how to prepare it:

Step 1: Make the Marinade

First, add the following ingredients in a large bowl or resealable bag:

Harissa or CAVA-inspired marinade (or homemade mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt and honey).

Combine well to form a fragrant base.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Trim the chicken of loose fat and cut into thin strips or leave whole, depending on how you like to eat it. Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure to coat it well. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour (ideally 4 hours or overnight for best results). Marinade for a longer time, your chicken will be more flavorful and tender.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Stovetop Method

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

When pan is hot, add chicken, doing this in batches so as not to crowd pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden and cooked through (165°F internal).

Transfer to the skillet and allow to rest several minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Grill Method

Prepare the grill for medium-high heat.

Grill the chicken that you had marinated until grill marks form on the chicken and it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, [about] 5-6 minutes each side.

Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes, and then slice it into bite-size pieces.

Serving Your Cava Chicken

The best thing about this Cava Chicken Recipe is that you can customize it! Here’s how I enjoy serving my CAVA chicken:

CAVA-style bowls

Start with bottom layers of brown rice or cauliflower rice and then add marinated CAVA chicken on top. Add fresh veggies—cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and spinach.

With Tzatziki Sauce

Drizzle a lot of homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce over the top, to balance the spices.

Add Feta and Hummus

Finally, dollop on the bowl with feta cheese and finish, as they do at CAVA, with a dip of hummus.

Optional Add-ons

You can use pickled onions, olives, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) to make it even more vibrant.

Cava Chicken Recipe Summary

Making this Cava chicken recipe will become your favorite hack for quick meals (BEYOND those even CAVA can provide) when you like bold flavors and crave that classic CAVA taste. So bring all the taste of CAVA to your kitchen with a bright marinade and juicy chicken, in a fresh, customizable bowl. Dinner or meal prep, this one is easy to make and has Mediterranean flavors you’ll love.

Cava Chicken Recipe

Prep time:

4 hours (or 1 hour for a quicker version)

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Course:

Main Course, Chicken

Cuisine:

Mediterranean

Servings:

4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tbsp CAVA-inspired Marinade (or homemade blend)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Ground Coriander
• ¼ cup Honey (divided)

Instructions

Make the Marinade

In a large bowl or bag, combine the CAVA marinade, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt and honey. Mix thoroughly.

Prep the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into thin strips, or leave whole. Add chicken to the marinade and refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours).

Cook the Chicken

Stovetop

Warm a skillet with some olive oil on medium-high heat. Getting hot, fry chicken on each side for 4 to 5 mins, until it becomes golden brown and cooked completely.

Grilling

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, until fully cooked.

Serve

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve with rice, veggies and whatever CAVA toppers you like (tzatziki, feta, hummus, etc.).

Add some easy Cava Chicken to your meals full of amazing Mediterranean flavors without being a hassle to make! So if you need a healthy meal prep option, or a meal prep dinner, this one is a great option!

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CAVA CHICKEN

This is high in protein and healthy fats so is suitably for high protein diets, weight management and muscle building. Mediterranean spices provide anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, olive oil and lemon juice healthy antioxidants.

How to Construct the Ideal CAVA Bowl

Base: Brown rice, cauliflower rice or salad mix

Protein: Add this CAVA-style chicken or substitute with grilled shrimp or tofu.

Veggies: Use English cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pickled onions and spinach.

Spread: Use tzatziki, hummus, feta cheese and olives.

Dressing: Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice or a Mediterranean-style dressing.

Meal Prep Tips

Make a double batch so you have enough for more than one meal.

Separate chicken from veggies to extend shelf life.

Divide into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

So it’s the perfect CAVA chicken recipe if you want to bring Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen. This recipe is a game changer whether you’re meal prepping, whipping up a quick dinner, or preparing a healthy, flavorful CAVA-style bowl. With an incredibly zesty marinade, juicy chicken, and the chance for each person to customize the toppings, every bite is just a joy. And it’s also relatively simple to make, so it’s perfect for weeknight or meal prep. Try it today, and bring the restaurant flavors home!

How to Build the Perfect CAVA Bowl

1. Base: Choose from brown rice, cauliflower rice, or a salad mix.
2. Protein: Add this CAVA-style chicken or swap for grilled shrimp or tofu.
3. Veggies: Use cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, and spinach.
4. Toppings: Add tzatziki, hummus, feta cheese, and olives.
5. Dressing: Drizzle olive oil, lemon juice, or a Mediterranean-style dressing.

Meal Prep Tips

• Double the batch to have enough for multiple meals.
• Store chicken separately from veggies to keep everything fresh.
• Portion into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.