Cava Grilled Chicken has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I crave something both delicious and healthy. It’s packed with flavor and is surprisingly easy to make at home, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. I first stumbled upon this recipe at a friend’s dinner party, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Whether you’re looking for a new dinner idea or want to impress guests with minimal effort, this grilled chicken recipe is a winner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation—especially when paired with fire roasted corn.
What Makes Cava Grilled Chicken Special?
Cava Grilled Chicken is not your average grilled chicken. What sets it apart is the balance of bold flavors with a perfectly charred exterior and tender, juicy interior. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a treat, but it’s actually packed with healthy ingredients. The marinade, often infused with Mediterranean spices, adds a depth of flavor that makes every bite exciting.
If you’re tired of the same old grilled chicken and want to add some flair to your meals, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a refreshing take on grilling that brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen—especially when paired with fiery broccoli.
Ingredients for Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe
To make a grilled chicken cava recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier options)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or mint (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a simple yet incredibly tasty dish that’s easy to whip up on any day. You might already have most of them in your kitchen!
Equipment and Tools
To make your grilled chicken cava recipe, you don’t need anything fancy—just a few essential tools will do the job perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Marinating Tray or Bowl
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer
- Basting Brush (Optional)
Cooking Time and Serving People
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
How to Make Cava Grilled Chicken Copycat Recipe
Making a copycat version of Cava Grilled Chicken at home is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recreate this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, coriander, and paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts or thighs into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have time, even overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, lightly brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Make sure to flip it halfway through for those perfect grill marks.
Step 5: Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy: Slice the chicken and serve it over rice, in a salad, or as part of a Cava-inspired bowl with your favorite toppings.
This Cava grilled chicken copycat recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Cava without leaving home. You can tweak the spices and marinating time to make it just right for your taste!
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Creative Serving Ideas for Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe
Once your Cava Grilled Chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to get creative with how you serve it. Here are some delicious and fun ways to enjoy this flavorful dish:
1. Cava Bowl at Home: Build a fresh and healthy Cava-inspired bowl by layering grilled chicken over a base of brown rice, quinoa, or couscous. Add greens like spinach or arugula, and pile on toppings like roasted vegetables, pickled onions, hummus, and feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for the perfect balance of flavors.
2. Grilled Chicken Wrap: For a fun, handheld meal, wrap your grilled chicken in a soft tortilla or pita. Add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and a dollop of tzatziki or hummus. It’s a quick, satisfying option for lunch or dinner that’s bursting with flavor.
3. Chicken Salad: Toss the grilled chicken into a refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Add a light dressing like olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. This option is perfect for a light, nutritious meal, especially on warm days—similar to a classic chicken salad.
4. Mediterranean Chicken Skewers: For a more casual, bite-sized serving, slice the grilled chicken into cubes and thread them onto skewers. Serve with a side of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. These skewers are great for a BBQ or as an appetizer at your next gathering.
5. Harissa Grilled Chicken: Spice things up by marinating your chicken with harissa sauce before grilling. The smoky, spicy flavor of the harissa adds a bold twist to the traditional Cava Grilled Chicken. Serve with couscous or a fresh salad to balance out the heat, much like the kick you get from hot chicken.
These creative serving ideas can transform your Cava Grill Chicken into a versatile dish that works for any meal, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quick lunch at home.
Cookupp Community Tips for Cava Grill Chicken Recipe
The Cookupp community is filled with home cooks who love to share their tips and tricks for making recipes even better. Here are some of their best suggestions for perfecting your Cava Grilled Chicken Copycat:
1. Marinate Longer for Extra Flavor: While 30 minutes is fine for marinating, some community members suggest letting the chicken marinate for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, making the chicken even more flavorful and tender.
2. Grill Marks Make All the Difference: For that perfect char and those beautiful grill marks, don’t move the chicken around too much. Let it sit on the grill for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping only once. This creates those crispy edges that everyone loves.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of your garlic, lemon, and herbs can truly elevate the dish. If possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly chopped garlic instead of pre-packed versions—this makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor.
4. Rest you’re Chicken after Grilling: After grilling, let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is as moist and tender as possible. Don’t skip this step!
5. Switch up the Spices: Experiment with the seasoning! While cumin and coriander are traditional, some community members love adding a pinch of smoked paprika, oregano, or even a bit of cinnamon to give the chicken a unique twist. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your tastes.
By incorporating these tips from fellow home cooks, you’ll not only master the Cava Grill Chicken recipe but also make it uniquely your own. Happy cooking!
How to Store Leftover Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe
If you’ve made a little extra Cava Grilled Chicken (or just love leftovers), here’s how to store it properly to keep it fresh and delicious for the next meal:
1. Refrigeration: After your chicken has cooled down, place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it as soon as it has cooled to avoid any risk of bacterial growth.
2. Freezing Leftovers: If you want to keep your chicken for longer, freezing it is a great option. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the grill or in a pan.
3. Reheating Tips: To keep your chicken moist when reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the pan and cover it with a lid to trap steam. You can also reheat it on the grill to maintain that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out the chicken.
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FAQs about Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe
Here are some frequently asked questions that might pop up while making or storing your Cava Grill Chicken. This should help clear up any confusion and ensure you get the best results every time:
What is Cava grilled chicken made of?
Cava grilled chicken is typically made from boneless, skinless chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander. It’s grilled to perfection and can be served in various dishes like bowls, wraps, or salads.
How do you make a Copycat Cava grilled chicken recipe?
To make a copycat Cava grilled chicken recipe, mix olive oil, lemon, garlic, cumin, coriander, and paprika to create the marinade. Coat the chicken, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, and then grill it over medium-high heat until it reaches 165°F internally. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Can I make Cava chicken at home?
Yes, you can easily make Cava chicken at home by marinating the chicken in a simple mix of spices, lemon, and olive oil. Then, grill the chicken until it’s cooked through and serve it in a Cava bowl at home with rice, greens, and other toppings.
How do you make a Cava bowl?
Start with a base of brown rice or quinoa. Add your grilled chicken, then top with hummus, roasted veggies, cucumbers, olives, and feta. Finish with olive oil and lemon for the perfect homemade Cava bowl—delicious with a touch of alfredo sauce.
What’s a good alternative to chicken for Cava bowls?
If you’re looking for a non-chicken option, try using grilled vegetables like Portobello mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas as a plant-based alternative in your Cava bowl recipe. These options absorb the marinade well and provide a similar texture.
How do I make grilled chicken taste like Cava?
To make the grilled chicken Cava recipe taste authentic, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and coriander. Grilling it over medium-high heat gives it the signature charred flavor you find at Cava.
Can I add spice to Cava grilled chicken?
Yes! For a spicier version, add chili flakes or harissa to your marinade. This gives the chicken a nice kick, similar to a harissa chicken recipe. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less heat.
How long should I marinate Cava chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, marinating it overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate more deeply, making it even juicier and more flavorful. The longer, the better for your Cava chicken recipe.
Can I make Cava grilled chicken on the stovetop?
Yes, you can make a grilled chicken cava recipe on the stovetop using a grill pan or skillet. Heat the pan on medium-high and cook the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F internally.
Is Cava grilled chicken healthy?
Yes! Grilled chicken cava recipe is a healthy meal choice, especially if you use lean cuts of chicken like breasts. It’s packed with protein, and when paired with fresh vegetables and grains, it makes for a nutritious, low-fat, and gluten-free meal.
Conclusion
Cava Grilled Chicken is quick, delicious, and perfect for any meal. With a simple marinade and a few grilling tips, you can create a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s full of flavor. Whether served in a Cava Bowl, wrapped in pita, or with a spicy twist, this recipe is super versatile and easy to make. Fire up the grill and enjoy a healthy, tasty meal today!
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