Cava Chicken Recipe

Bring bold Mediterranean flavors straight to your kitchen with this Cava Chicken Recipe, perfectly balancing smoky, spicy, and savory notes in every bite.

This copycat Cava chicken showcases spatchcocked free-range chicken bathed in rose harissa, layered on a bed of colorful roasted peppers and sweet red onions for a visually stunning, flavor-packed meal.

Ideal for weeknight dinners or family-style feasts, the cava chicken recipe delivers crispy skin, juicy meat, and vegetables that soak up every drop of spicy, tangy goodness. With Copycat Cava Chicken Bowls as inspiration, this one-tray wonder transforms ordinary nights into restaurant-quality experiences at home.

What Does It Taste Like?

This cava chicken recipe copycat delivers an explosion of bold, warming flavors with every bite. The rose harissa coating creates a beautifully charred, slightly spicy crust with floral notes that complement the natural richness of the chicken.

Sweet caramelized peppers and onions balance the heat perfectly, while fresh mint adds a cooling, herbaceous brightness. The combination of olive oil and red wine vinegar creates a tangy, Mediterranean depth that permeates the tender, juicy meat.

Each forkful offers layers of smoky, sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors exactly what makes the original Cava chicken so addictive and memorable.

Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils

Cava Chicken Recipe Ingredients (Serves 4)

Main Ingredients:

• 1 whole free-range chicken (about 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs)
• 4 mixed-color bell peppers
• 2 red onions
• 4 heaped teaspoons rose harissa (or regular harissa)
• A handful of fresh mint (about 4 sprigs)

Flavor Basics:

• Olive oil (for drizzling)
• Red wine vinegar (for splash and dressing)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Large roasting tray (one-tray method)
• Sharp kitchen knife or poultry shears
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing hands or tongs

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 65-75 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Cava Chicken Recipe Instructions

Follow these cava chicken recipe instructions for perfect results every time:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F / gas mark 4.

Step 2: In a large roasting tray, combine 4 heaped teaspoons of rose harissa with a generous splash of olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create your flavor base.

Step 3: Prepare the bell peppers by pushing your thumb into the stem end to deseed them, then rip open and tear into large, rustic chunks (no precise chopping needed). Add to the tray.

Step 4: Peel the red onions, quarter them, and break apart into loose petals. Add these to the tray with the peppers.

Step 5: Spatchcock the chicken by cutting down along the backbone with kitchen shears or a sharp knife (or ask your butcher to do this). Open the chicken out flat like a book. Score the thighs lightly down to the bone to help it cook evenly.

Step 6: Rub the harissa-oil-vinegar mixture generously all over the chicken coating the breasts, legs, and especially into the scored cuts for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 7: Place the chicken skin-side up directly on top of the vegetables like a trivet. This allows the chicken juices to drip down and flavor the vegetables while the vegetables steam upward into the meat.

Step 8: Mix everything around briefly to coat, then roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown with crispy, slightly charred skin and the internal temperature reaches 75°C / 165°F.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Dress the roasted peppers and onions with an extra splash of vinegar and olive oil if desired.

Step 10: Tear or chop half the fresh mint leaves and toss through the vegetables, then scatter the remaining whole leaves on top. Serve family-style from the tray or carve the chicken and plate with the colorful vegetables alongside.

Customization and Pairing for Serving Ideas

1. Classic Copycat Cava Chicken Bowls

Serve your harissa chicken sliced over fluffy basmati rice or herbed couscous, topped with the roasted peppers and onions, hummus, cucumber-tomato salad, pickled onions, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. Add crispy pita chips for that authentic Cava bowl experience.

2. Greek-Inspired Grain Bowl

Pair with quinoa or farro, crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and a generous dollop of tzatziki. The cooling yogurt sauce balances the harissa heat beautifully.

3. Spice Level Adjustments

For a milder version, reduce harissa to 2 teaspoons and mix with Greek yogurt. For heat lovers, use spicy harissa and add red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chilies to the roasting tray.

4. Aromatic Grain Harmony

Pair your savory chicken with Cava saffron rice to create a fragrant base that soaks up sauces, enhances flavor balance, and elevates the overall Mediterranean-style dining experience beautifully.

5. Vegetable Variations

Swap or add vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, or fennel. Root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes also work wonderfully, though they may need extra roasting time.

6. Wrap It Up

Shred the leftover chicken and stuff into warm pita or flatbreads with the roasted vegetables, mixed greens, pickles, and garlic sauce for incredible Mediterranean wraps perfect for lunch.

7. Creamy Cooling Contrast

Add a rich, fresh element to the meal with Cava Yogurt Dill Dressing, providing a creamy, herby contrast that complements tender chicken while balancing spice and brightening every bite naturally.

8. Salad Topper

Slice the delicious cava chicken and serve warm over mixed greens, arugula, or spinach with the roasted vegetables, toasted pine nuts, pomegranate seeds, and lemon vinaigrette for a lighter meal option.

9. Roasted Vegetable Balance

Serve the dish alongside Fiery Broccoli Cava to introduce a slightly spicy, roasted vegetable side that adds bold flavor, texture, and color while harmonizing perfectly with the chicken.

10. Side Dish Pairings

Complete your meal with Mediterranean sides like tabbouleh, fattoush salad, roasted cauliflower, garlic green beans, or warm flatbread with labneh. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the bold flavors perfectly.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cava Chicken

1. Spatchcocking is Essential

Don’t skip this step when learning how to make cava chicken properly. Flattening the bird ensures even cooking, crispier skin all over, and significantly reduces cooking time. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, most butchers will happily spatchcock your chicken for free when you purchase it.

2. Score for Maximum Flavor

Those shallow cuts in the thigh meat aren’t just for show they allow the harissa marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, creating pockets of intense flavor throughout. Score about 1cm deep, making 2-3 cuts per thigh.

3. Quality Harissa Matters

Rose harissa offers a more complex, aromatic flavor than regular harissa, but either works. Look for harissa paste rather than sauce for better consistency. Brands like Mina or Belazu deliver authentic North African flavor that makes this cava chicken recipe copycat truly restaurant-quality.

4. Explore Flavor Variations

For a different Mediterranean twist, try the Cava Grill Chicken blog. Its smoky, tender flavor complements your meals and inspires new ways to enjoy your favorite Cava Chicken Recipe creations.

5. Sweet-Spicy Inspiration

Discover how to elevate your dishes with the Cava Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe and Cava Harissa Chicken guides, offering bold, flavorful ideas that enhance every Cava Chicken Recipe experience.

6. Temperature Check is Critical

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding bone) to ensure it reaches 75°C / 165°F. Undercooked chicken is unsafe, while overcooked chicken becomes dry and disappointing.

7. Rest Before Carving

Allowing the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after roasting lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Cutting immediately causes all those precious juices to run out onto the cutting board.

8. One-Tray Magic

The beauty of this simple cava chicken recipe is minimal cleanup. The vegetables act as both flavor base and side dish, while catching all the delicious chicken drippings. Don’t use multiple pans embrace the one-tray method for easier cooking and better flavor exchange.

9. Fresh Mint is Non-Negotiable

While dried herbs can substitute in many recipes, fresh mint is essential here. It provides a bright, cooling contrast that cuts through the rich harissa and balances the entire dish. Add it at the end to preserve its vibrant flavor and color.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover chicken and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken pieces in a 180°C / 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave on medium power. The vegetables reheat beautifully in a skillet over medium heat.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cava Chicken Recipe that people often ask.

What makes this a copycat Cava chicken recipe?

This recipe recreates the signature harissa-spiced chicken from Cava restaurants using their key flavor profiles rose harissa, Mediterranean herbs, and roasted vegetables. While the exact Cava recipe is proprietary, this version captures the same bold, spicy, aromatic taste that makes their chicken bowls so popular.

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Absolutely! For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, reduce cooking time to 35-40 minutes. For chicken breasts, cook for 25-30 minutes at the same temperature. Boneless cuts work too but won’t have quite the same rich flavor reduce time to 20-25 minutes and watch carefully to avoid drying out.

Where can I buy rose harissa?

Rose harissa is available at Middle Eastern markets, specialty food stores, Whole Foods, and online retailers like Amazon. If unavailable, regular harissa paste works perfectly fine. You can also make your own by blending rehydrated dried chilies with garlic, cumin, coriander, caraway, and a splash of rose water.

Is this recipe spicy?

Moderately spicy, depending on your harissa brand. Rose harissa tends to be milder and more aromatic than regular harissa. The heat level is typically medium noticeable warmth without overwhelming heat. Reduce harissa to 2 teaspoons or mix with yogurt for a milder version, or add extra for more kick.

Can I make this cava chicken recipe in advance?

You can prep the vegetables and harissa mixture up to 24 hours ahead, storing them covered in the refrigerator. The chicken can be spatchcocked and scored a day early. However, for best results, roast everything fresh to ensure crispy skin and optimal texture.

What if I don’t have a roasting tray large enough?

Use your largest baking sheet or roasting pan the chicken and vegetables should fit in a single layer without too much crowding. If necessary, use two trays and swap their positions halfway through cooking. Crowding prevents proper caramelization and crisping.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) it should read 75°C / 165°F. Visual cues include golden-brown crispy skin, clear juices running from the meat (not pink), and the leg moving easily in its socket.

Can I use a different vinegar?

Red wine vinegar provides the authentic Mediterranean tanginess, but white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice work as substitutes. Avoid balsamic vinegar as it’s too sweet and will overpower the harissa flavors.

What sides go best with Copycat Cava Chicken Bowls?

Traditional Cava-style sides include fluffy basmati rice, herbed couscous, mixed greens, hummus, tzatziki, cucumber-tomato salad, pickled red onions, feta cheese, and warm pita bread. Build your bowl with grains on the bottom, chicken and roasted vegetables in the center, and all your favorite toppings.

Can this recipe be grilled instead of roasted?

Yes! Prepare the chicken and vegetables the same way. Grill the spatchcocked chicken over medium-high indirect heat for 40-45 minutes, flipping once. Grill the vegetables in a grill basket or on skewers alongside the chicken. This adds wonderful smoky char that complements the harissa beautifully.

Is free-range chicken necessary?

While not mandatory, free-range or organic chicken offers better flavor and texture. However, any whole chicken works for this recipe. Just ensure it’s fresh and properly sized (1-1.5 kg works best for even cooking).

How can I make the skin extra crispy?

Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before applying the harissa rub moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. You can also increase oven temperature to 200°C / 400°F for the final 10 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.