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This CAVA-style honey harissa chicken bowl makes it easy to bring restaurant-level Mediterranean flavor to your home kitchen. With spicy sweet marinated chicken, fluffy basmati rice, tangy pickled veggies, creamy feta, and warm pita, each bite is packed with color and bold taste. The harissa vinaigrette ties it all together for a satisfying and healthy meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
My first time making this was a last minute weeknight dinner and it blew everyone away. Now it is my go to when I want a meal that is both comforting and vibrant.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: add richness and stay juicy during high heat searing look for free range for more flavor
- Olive oil: brings moisture and helps with browning choose extra virgin for the vinaigrette for a peppery finish
- Harissa paste: gives a smoky spicy kick try to use a brand with whole spices for deep flavor
- Honey: balances the heat and helps the chicken caramelize use raw honey for a floral note
- Lemon juice: brightens the marinade and vinaigrette fresh lemons give the best tart pop
- Garlic: punches up every layer select firm cloves with no green shoots inside
- Kosher salt and black pepper: season the chicken simply use flaky kosher salt for easy measuring
- Basmati rice: creates a fluffy base that soaks up vinaigrette long grain works best
- Salad greens: add crunch and freshness baby spinach or arugula are great options
- Avocado: brings creamy texture pick a just ripe but not mushy avocado for clean slices
- Pickled red onions: give a zingy lift homemade or store bought both work
- Feta cheese: adds tang and creaminess find sheep’s milk feta for a classic taste
- Marinated cucumbers and tomatoes: add brightness marinate at home using olive oil and herbs for extra freshness
- Hummus: offers a silky rich background choose a classic unsweetened hummus for this
- Pita or pita chips: scoop up the toppings and round out the meal try to find soft fresh pita for the best texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine chicken thighs two tablespoons of olive oil harissa paste honey lemon juice garlic salt and pepper in a bowl or zip bag. Toss until all pieces are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate at least thirty minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Prepare the Bowl Ingredients:
- While the chicken marinates cook your rice following package directions. Prep salad greens by tossing them with a drizzle of olive oil. Slice avocado crumble feta and set out pickled onions hummus marinated cucumbers and tomatoes. Warm pita or naan if using.
- Mix the Harissa Vinaigrette:
- Add olive oil harissa paste lemon juice onion powder garlic and kosher salt to a small jar. Secure the lid and shake well or whisk until emulsified. Taste and adjust salt or heat if needed. Chill while finishing the other ingredients.
- Sear and Chop the Chicken:
- Heat the remaining two tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium high. Lay chicken thighs in the hot pan smooth side down and let cook undisturbed five or six minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and continue another four to five minutes until the internal temperature is at least one hundred sixty degrees. Rest on a cutting board for several minutes then chop into bite size pieces.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Spoon rice and greens into each serving bowl. Add chopped chicken and arrange toppings avocado feta pickled onions marinated cucumbers and tomatoes and hummus as you wish. Drizzle with spicy harissa vinaigrette and serve with warm pita or chips.
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My favorite part of this bowl is the creamy feta combined with spicy harissa vinaigrette. We love building these bowls together letting everyone choose their own toppings. It is always a fun family dinner.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate any chicken rice and toppings in separate airtight containers so the greens and veggies do not wilt. Keep the vinaigrette in a small jar or bottle. Everything lasts well for up to three days and makes for easy last minute lunches or dinners. Reheat chicken gently so it stays juicy.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a lighter option just watch cooking time so it does not dry out. Try jasmine or brown rice for a new twist on the base. No harissa paste Use your favorite chili garlic sauce blended with a pinch of smoked paprika. Goat cheese or creamy ricotta stand in for feta if needed.
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Ways to Serve It
Serve as a bowl or turn into wraps by piling the fillings inside fresh pita or large lettuce leaves. These toppings also make a great Mediterranean sheet pan dinner lay everything on a pan and broil quickly before adding greens and sauce. Pile leftovers onto salad greens with extra lemon for a fast lunch the next day.
A Taste of the Mediterranean
Harissa is a chili paste from North Africa famous for its deep spice and smoky flavor. Bowls like this are inspired by the quick casual meals found in the eastern Mediterranean. The blend of spicy savory tangy and creamy keeps every bite interesting and satisfying. It reminds me of family trips to casual Mediterranean cafes in big city markets.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute harissa paste with another ingredient?
Harissa paste brings smoky heat and depth, but you can use a mild chili garlic paste or a blend of smoked paprika and cayenne as a substitute. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- → What type of rice works best for this bowl?
Basmati rice provides a fluffy texture and aromatic flavor, but jasmine rice or even quinoa can be used as alternatives for the base.
- → How far in advance can I prep the chicken?
The chicken can be marinated up to overnight, allowing more time for flavors to develop. Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- → What are some suggested toppings if I don't have feta?
Try crumbled goat cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or skip the cheese altogether for a dairy-free option. Sliced olives or roasted chickpeas also add flavor and texture.
- → How spicy is the harissa vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette's heat depends on the amount and variety of harissa used. Taste after mixing and adjust with a bit more lemon juice or honey if you prefer a milder heat.
- → What can I serve on the side?
Warm pita bread, pita chips, or even naan are delicious accompaniments, perfect for scooping up the toppings and sauce.