CAVA-Inspired Chicken Grain Bowl-A Healthy & Delicious Meal at Home

Looking to spice up your meal routine in 2025? This CAVA-inspired Chicken Grain Bowl might just become your new favorite dish!

As a busy mom, I know how hard it can be to balance healthy eating with delicious meals. That’s why I love recipes like this one that pack a punch of flavor, are easy to customize, and come together in no time. This bowl features tender, juicy chicken thighs, fresh veggies, and tangy toppings—all piled onto a bed of greens and fluffy rice. Add some pickled onions and creamy hummus, and you've got a vibrant, wholesome meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

This is actually my go-to order at CAVA, and I wanted to recreate it at home so I could enjoy it anytime. Whether you’re meal prepping or just looking for a quick lunch, this Chicken Grain Bowl hits all the marks. Let’s dive in!

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

   • Yes, chicken breast works too! Adjust the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

2. What other grains can I use?

   • Quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice are great substitutes for the base.

3. How long does this bowl last in the fridge?

   • Store all components separately for up to 3 days for the freshest results.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

   • Absolutely! Skip the feta cheese and use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki sauce.

Print

Easy CAVA Harissa Avocado Bowl Recipe – A Healthy & Delicious Meal at Home

Yield 2

Author Kim Alexander

Prep time

15 Min

Cook time

20 Min

Total time

35 Min

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Ingredients

Base:

• 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, romaine, or spinach)
• 1 cup cooked grains (like saffron basmati rice or brown rice)

Proteins and Toppings:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup pickled onions
• 1/4 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp hummus
• 2 tbsp tzatziki sauce (see recipe below)
• 1 tbsp harissa paste (adjust to taste)(optional)
• Optional: pita chips or crisps for crunch

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp water (adjust consistency)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Small-Batch Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup cucumber (grated and squeezed to remove excess water)
• 1 small garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp fresh or dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Base and Chicken Thighs:

1. Cook your grains (brown rice, basmati rice) according to package instructions. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Cook the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Make the Tzatziki Sauce and Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed to remove excess water), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well and set aside.
3. In another small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, salt, and pepper. Adjust consistency by adding more water if needed.

Assemble the bowl:

1. In your serving bowl, layer the cooked grains and mixed greens as the base.
2. Arrange the sliced chicken thighs and avocado on top of the base.
3. Add the pickled onions, diced cucumber, and diced tomatoes.
4. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
5. Add dollops of hummus, tzatziki, and harissa paste around the bowl.
6. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the bowl.
7. Optional: Top with pita chips for added crunch.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• For a vegetarian option, swap the grilled chicken for falafel or roasted chickpeas.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less harissa paste.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

557

Fat

33 g

Sat. Fat

7 g

Carbs

28 g

Fiber

7 g

Net carbs

22 g

Sugar

6 g

Protein

40 g

Sodium

932 mg

Cholesterol

153 mg

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