Looking for an easy and delicious grilled chicken recipe? look no further than this Cava Grilled Chicken! Perfect for a summer BBQ or weeknight dinner, this chicken is packed with flavor and will definitely be a hit with your family and friends. So fire up the grill and let’s get cooking!
Cava: A Popular Mediterranean Fast-Casual Restaurant Chain
Cava is owned by Cava Group, which also owns Zoës Kitchen. Cava (official web-site) was founded in 2006 and has become a popular Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain with over 100 locations throughout the United States and Mexico. The menu focuses on healthy, wholesome ingredients that customers can customize however they please. There are lots of delicious plant-based options, as well as proteins like grilled chicken, steak and falafel.
Moreover, customers have the option of creating a custom bowl or salad with all their desired toppings. Cava also offers family meals, sides and dips. In addition to dining in-store, Cava caters to those who are looking for quick service through delivery and pick-up options.
At Cava, you can enjoy a meal that is both delicious and healthy. Their Grilled Chicken dish comes with an array of accompaniments to tantalize your taste buds. As a side dish, the restaurants provide plenty of Mediterranean and Center Eastern delights:
- hummus, tzatziki, pickles, tomatoes, onions, olives, feta cheese and shredded romaine lettuce all drizzled
- creamy hummus,
- zesty tzatziki,
- succulent pickles,
- juicy tomatoes and onions,
- riny olives,
- crumbled feta cheese,
- shredded romaine lettuce,
- signature Harissa Vinaigrette dressing.
These all is the perfect combination for a nutritious yet flavorful lunch or dinner!
The Most Secret Ingridient – Marinade!
Cava marinates their grilled chicken in a blend of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and spices. This marinade creates a flavorful and tender texture to the chicken that pairs perfectly with other ingredients like tzatziki sauce and feta cheese. The exact recipe is not publicly available online but customers can get an idea of how Cava marinates their chicken by looking at the ingredient list for the Grilled Chicken Bowl on the official website.
Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Grill or Oven
- 1 Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
- 1 Small Bowl
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt boneless and skinless
- 4 tbsp olive oill, extra virgin
- ½ fresh lemon
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ tbsp dried oregano
- ½ tbsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Marinating
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
Grilling
- When ready to cook the chicken, preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat (to 350°F ). Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Grill or bake the chicken until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This should take about 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.
- Serve the cava grilled chicken with a side of your choice, such as rice, vegetables, or salad. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce, like tzatziki or hummus.
How to make Harissa Vinaigrette?
In addition to the marinade, Cava also has a signature Harissa vinaigrette which is used as a finishing touch on many of their dishes.
To make the harissa vinaigrette, first combine the harissa, olive oil, honey, garlic cloves and red wine vinegar in a blender. Blend on high speed until everything is mixed together. Slowly add in water as needed to create a thinner dressing consistency. Once you have reached the desired thickness for your vinaigrette, season with sea salt to taste. Serve over salads or use as an accompaniment to grilled meats or vegetables.
Note: It’s important to adjust the amount of ingredients used according to personal preference. If you want a spicier vinaigrette, add more harissa – if you prefer it milder simply reduce the amount of harissa used. The same goes for the sweetness level – simply adjust the amount of honey to get your desired flavor balance. Enjoy!