I still remember the first time my grandmother made this Cava Chicken Recipe for our Sunday family dinner. The aroma of garlic, lemon, and smoky spices filled the kitchen, making it impossible to wait for dinnertime. She always said, “The secret to the best Mediterranean chicken is in the marinade—let time do its magic!” And she was right.
Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner idea that won’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen? Say hello to this Mediterranean Cava-Style Grilled Chicken—your new go-to meal for those busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
This dish is packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, juicy grilled chicken, and a delightful tang that will transport you straight to the sun-soaked coasts of Greece. Plus, it’s simple enough to prepare while juggling work, kids, or a never-ending to-do list. Let’s dive in!
Table of content:
Why You’ll Love This Cava Chicken Recipe
🌟 Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
🌟 Healthy & Protein-Packed: A nutritious meal with lean protein and Mediterranean flavors.
🌟 Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this juicy, well-seasoned chicken.
🌟 Meal Prep Hero: Cook once, eat multiple times—great for wraps, salads, and grain bowls all week.
🌟 Authentic Mediterranean Taste: Inspired by bold, fresh flavors straight from the Mediterranean kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this irresistible Mediterranean chicken recipe:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp coriander
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra tenderness)
For Serving (Optional but Recommended!):
- Warm pita bread or rice
- Tzatziki sauce
- Sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or mint
How to Make Cava-Style Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices. If using Greek yogurt, mix it in to create an extra creamy marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it. Massage the chicken so every piece is well coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, let it sit for 2-4 hours (or even overnight if you’re planning ahead!).
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill (or stovetop grill pan) to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
Serve your Mediterranean Cava-Style Grilled Chicken with warm pita, fresh veggies, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki. Garnish with crumbled feta and herbs for the ultimate Mediterranean feast!
Cooking Tips for the Best Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
🔥 No Grill? No Problem! You can cook this chicken in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy, golden-brown sear or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. For an extra juicy finish, cover the chicken loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to get that slightly charred effect.
🔥 Tender Chicken Hack: Adding Greek yogurt to the marinade helps break down the proteins for ultra-juicy chicken. The lactic acid in yogurt gently tenderizes the meat while infusing it with creamy richness. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade can make a noticeable difference, but for the best results, marinate overnight.
🔥 Meal Prep Magic: Make extra chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. It’s perfect for wraps, salads, grain bowls, or even reheated for a quick weeknight dinner. If you want to freeze it, let the cooked chicken cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in a skillet for that freshly grilled taste.
🔥 Lock in Moisture: Avoid dry chicken by letting it rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
🔥 Boost the Flavor: For an extra punch, drizzle with olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken right before serving. This brightens up the flavors and adds that signature Mediterranean zing!
🔥 Tender Chicken Hack: Adding Greek yogurt to the marinade helps break down the proteins for ultra-juicy chicken.
🔥 Meal Prep Magic: Make extra chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for wraps, salads, or grain bowls!
FAQs
Does CAVA use real chicken?
Yes, CAVA uses real, high-quality chicken in their dishes. Their grilled chicken and Harissa Honey Chicken are made from boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, marinated with various spices and ingredients to enhance flavor. cava.com+4assets.ctfassets.net+4salimaskitchen.com+4
What is in the CAVA chicken and rice bowl?
CAVA’s Chicken & RightRice® Bowl features:cava.com+1whatmollymade.com+1
- Base: High-protein RightRice®munchinwithmaddie.blog+7assets.ctfassets.net+7moribyan.com+7cava.com
- Protein: Grilled chicken
- Toppings: Tzatziki, hummus, feta, tomato, arugula, and morebutterbeready.comcava.com
Is CAVA chicken spicy?
CAVA offers different chicken options:
- Grilled Chicken: Mildly seasoned, not spicy.
- Harissa Honey Chicken: Features harissa, a North African chili pepper paste, giving it a sweet and spicy flavor. somuchfoodblog.com
How to cook harissa chicken?
To prepare harissa chicken at home:
- Marinate: Combine chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon juice, harissa paste, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cilantro, and spices like paprika, coriander, cumin, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. moribyan.com
- Cook: Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy in bowls, salads, or wraps.
Is CAVA actually healthy?
CAVA emphasizes fresh, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, offering nutrient-rich meals with lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables. However, nutritional content varies by dish, so it’s advisable to consult their nutritional guide to make choices that align with your dietary preferences. cava.com
How is Cava made?
If you’re referring to Cava, the Spanish sparkling wine:
- Production Method: Made using the traditional method (méthode champenoise), where the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle to produce natural carbonation.
- Grapes Used: Typically crafted from Spanish grape varieties like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada.
- Aging: After the second fermentation, Cava is aged on its lees (yeast sediment) for a minimum period to develop its characteristic flavors.
This process results in a sparkling wine that’s crisp, refreshing, and versatile for various occasions.caileeeats.com
I hope this information helps clarify your questions about CAVA’s offerings and the production of Cava wine!
Give It a Try!
If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and stress-free meal, this Cava Chicken Recipe is a must-try! It’s perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or even a casual get-together with friends.
Need more Mediterranean-inspired recipes? Check out this delicious collection for more meal inspiration!
For additional Mediterranean cooking tips, visit Serious Eats or The Mediterranean Dish. Happy cooking! 🍽️
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