I'm a big fan of the fast-casual restaurant Cava, which is what inspired my harissa honey chicken recipe that is just as good, if not better! This dish is quick, irresistible, and packed with so much flavor especially served with a creamy lemon herb tahini sauce.
My Cava copycat honey harissa chicken bowl also includes hummus, cucumbers and tomatoes, pickled red onions, and rice for a fulfilling and hearty bowl that is family-friendly and great for meal prep!
What is Harissa Honey Chicken?
Harissa honey chicken is a dish that combines the smoky, spicy flavors of North African harissa paste with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. If you’ve never tried it before, think of it as a flavor-packed chicken that’s tender, juicy, and coated in a glaze that’s simultaneously spicy, sweet, and aromatic.
It’s commonly served with fresh vegetables, rice, and a creamy sauce, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Fans of the harissa chicken bowl will recognize these flavors immediately.
Why You’ll Love Harissa Honey Chicken
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes if you prep ahead, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Mouth-Watering Flavor: The combination of harissa, honey, smoked paprika, and cumin gives a bold, irresistible taste your whole family will enjoy.
- Juicy & Tender Chicken: Marinating the chicken overnight ensures each bite is packed with flavor and perfectly tender but you can marinate for just 15 minutes if you are in a rush.
- Versatile & Customizable: Serve it over rice, in a harissa chicken bowl, or alongside your favorite veggies and hummus or dips.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate the popular harissa honey chicken Cava copycat experience without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are perfect for absorbing the harissa honey marinade and staying juicy.
- Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps the chicken cook evenly while boosting flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the spices and brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky undertone that complements the harissa perfectly.
- Ground Cumin: Adds earthy warmth and complexity to the marinade.
- Garlic Powder: Gives the chicken a subtle garlicky punch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cayenne Powder: Adds a hint of spice for those who like a little extra kick.
- Harissa Paste: The star ingredient, bringing bold heat and aromatic spice.
- Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
- Tahini: Forms the creamy base of the lemon herb tahini sauce.
- Water: Adjusts the tahini sauce to a smooth consistency.
- Cilantro & Parsley: Fresh herbs add brightness and a hint of freshness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the tahini sauce.
- Cucumbers & Tomatoes: Fresh, crisp, and cooling alongside the spiced chicken.
- Hummus: Creamy and savory, perfect for serving with harissa chicken bowls.
- Pickled Red Onions: Add tang and crunch for a balanced plate.
Customizations
- Protein Swap: You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and harissa paste to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Add Veggies: Include roasted eggplant, zucchini, or carrots to make it a full one-pan meal.
How to Make Harissa Honey Chicken
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon juice, harissa paste, honey, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.
Mix thoroughly to coat evenly, then cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes up to overnight preferred for maximum flavor.
Air Fry the Chicken:
Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the basket and cook at 425°F (220°C) for 11–13 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked.
Alternate Methods:
Oven: Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
Pan-Fry: Cook chicken on each side for 4–6 minutes.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, combine tahini, water, lemon juice, cilantro, parsley, garlic, honey, and salt in a food processor or blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust water to reach desired consistency.
Serve:
Slice the chicken and serve over rice or as part of a harissa chicken bowl with cucumber and tomato salad, hummus, and pickled red onions.
Drizzle generously with the lemon herb tahini sauce.
Storage
Store leftover harissa honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips
- Flavor Boost: Let the chicken marinate overnight for the most intense, mouth-watering flavor but you can do just 15 minutes if you are in a rush.
- Crispy Edges: Air fry or broil for a couple of extra minutes if you love a slightly crispy exterior.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook extra and store with rice and veggies for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Harissa Honey Chicken
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Harissa Honey Chicken
- 1.25 lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1.5 tablespoon harissa paste
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce
For Serving
- Cucumbers and Tomatoes
- Hummus
- Pickled Red Onions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon juice, harissa paste, honey, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and cook at 425°F (220°C) for 11–13 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, combine the tahini, water, lemon juice, cilantro, parsley, garlic, honey, and salt in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Slice the chicken and add to a plate with rice, cucumber and tomato salad, hummus, and pickled red onions. Drizzle generously with the lemon herb tahini sauce and enjoy!
Jessica says
This had great flavor. And was pretty simple. Only sub I used was chicken beasts rather than thighs because that's what I had. Since I do not live near Cava will definitely make this again.
Herman says
I'm happy you enjoyed it Jessica! You don't need to live near Cava anymore with this recipe 🙂
Lex says
I can make it over and over again.
Herman says
so glad you liked it, thank you!