This Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl is a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and freshness. The harissa-marinated chicken brings the heat, mellowed by a drizzle of honey, while the creamy avocado and tangy pickled onions add bursts of flavor. Served over a bed of fluffy basmati rice and mixed greens, this bowl is as satisfying as it is nutritious.
It’s a quick and easy dinner that feels gourmet without the extra effort. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Pair it with warm pita for an extra treat and enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired bowl packed with bold, wholesome flavors!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- Juice from ½ a lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Hot Harissa Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp harissa paste (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
For the Bowl & Toppings:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice (1 cup uncooked)
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for tossing greens)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup pickled red onions
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup marinated cucumbers and tomatoes (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup hummus
- Pita chips, pita bread, or naan for serving
Directions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or resealable bag, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, harissa paste, honey, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, coat well, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
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Prepare the Toppings: While the chicken is marinating, cook the rice according to package instructions. Toss the mixed greens with a drizzle of olive oil. Slice the avocado and prepare the other toppings.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs smooth side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until deeply golden-brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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Make the Vinaigrette: In a jar, combine all vinaigrette ingredients. Whisk or shake well to mix.
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Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of rice and mixed greens. Top with sliced chicken, avocado, pickled red onions, crumbled feta, marinated cucumbers and tomatoes, and hummus. Drizzle with the hot harissa vinaigrette. Serve with warm pita chips or bread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 488 kcal | Servings: 4
Honey Harissa Chicken Bowls – A Bold and Flavorful Mediterranean Delight
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, this Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl is the perfect recipe to add to your meal rotation. Inspired by the popular CAVA restaurant’s signature dish, this homemade version brings together the sweet heat of harissa-marinated chicken, a colorful medley of fresh toppings, and a tangy, spicy vinaigrette. It’s a well-balanced meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.
Not only does this dish burst with taste, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences, making it an excellent option for meal prepping, family dinners, or even an impressive dish to serve at gatherings.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl is more than just a meal it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s why it stands out:
1. The Perfect Balance of Heat and Sweetness
Harissa paste, a staple in North African and Mediterranean cuisine, is the key ingredient in this recipe. It’s made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and various spices, creating a deep, smoky, and spicy flavor. While harissa on its own can be quite intense, the addition of honey mellows the heat and introduces a touch of sweetness. This combination results in a beautifully caramelized chicken that’s both spicy and subtly sweet.
2. Mediterranean-Inspired Ingredients
The ingredients in this bowl are inspired by traditional Mediterranean cuisine, known for its health benefits and incredible taste. The fresh toppings, such as avocado, pickled onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese, add a variety of flavors and textures, making every bite unique and exciting. The base of basmati rice and mixed greens provides a hearty foundation that pairs perfectly with the juicy, marinated chicken.
3. A Customizable and Flexible Dish
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re following a gluten free, dairy free, or low carb diet, you can easily modify the ingredients to suit your needs. For example:
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, or falafel for a different protein option.
- Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or lentils instead of basmati rice for added nutrients.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping the feta cheese or substituting it with a plant-based alternative.
- Add more veggies, such as roasted bell peppers, kalamata olives, or chickpeas, to boost the nutritional value.
4. An Easy and Quick Meal for Any Occasion
Despite its gourmet-level taste, this dish is incredibly simple to make. The marinade requires only a few pantry staples, and the chicken cooks quickly in a skillet, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Since it can also be prepped ahead of time, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious, wholesome meal ready to go for lunch or dinner.
The Health Benefits of This Dish
Beyond being delicious, this Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl is packed with nutrients that make it a fantastic choice for a balanced diet.
1. High-Quality Protein for Muscle Growth and Satiety
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, metabolism, and keeping you full for longer. Choosing chicken thighs adds extra juiciness and richness due to their slightly higher fat content, but you can also use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
2. Healthy Fats for Heart Health
This bowl includes extra virgin olive oil, avocado, and feta cheese, all of which are sources of healthy fats that support heart health, brain function, and inflammation reduction. These good fats also help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the greens and vegetables.
3. Fiber-Packed Vegetables for Digestion and Immunity
The combination of salad greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled onions provides a hefty dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Fiber is essential for digestive health, while antioxidants help fight free radicals and boost overall immunity.
4. Spices and Herbs for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Harissa paste, garlic, and lemon juice bring not only bold flavors but also numerous health benefits. Harissa’s chili peppers contain capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, while garlic is widely recognized for its immune-boosting effects.
Tips for Making the Perfect Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl
To ensure you get the best results every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but for the most tender and flavorful results, marinate it overnight in the fridge.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less harissa paste and gradually increase it to taste. You can also add extra honey or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance out the heat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To prevent overcooking or undercooking, use a thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Make Extra for Meal Prep: Store the cooked chicken, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers for easy meal prep. When ready to eat, just assemble the bowl and drizzle on the vinaigrette!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl is already a well-rounded meal, but if you want to elevate it even further, try pairing it with:
- Warm pita bread or naan for scooping up the delicious toppings.
- Tzatziki sauce or garlic yogurt sauce for a creamy and cooling contrast to the spice.
- Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for extra depth of flavor.
- A refreshing Mediterranean salad with olives, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.
For drinks, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a citrus-infused sparkling water complements the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
The Honey Harissa Chicken Bowl is more than just a meal it’s a flavor packed experience that celebrates the richness of Mediterranean cuisine. With its perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings while keeping things healthy and wholesome.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Its customizable nature, quick preparation, and meal prep friendly qualities make it an excellent choice for those who want a restaurant-quality meal at home without the hassle.
So why not give it a try? Once you take the first bite of this spicy, tangy, and savory masterpiece, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!