Easy Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe
If you’re a fan of Cava—the fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant known for its bold flavors—then you’re going to love this Cava grilled chicken recipe you can recreate at home. Juicy, tender, marinated chicken with that signature smoky char—this dish is packed with Mediterranean spices, easy to prep, and perfect for salads, grain bowls, wraps, or just straight off the grill.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make grilled chicken just like the kind served at Cava. With simple ingredients and a marinade that delivers big flavor, this is a meal prep winner and a weeknight favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe
This recipe is everything you love about Cava’s grilled chicken—simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. The secret lies in the marinade: lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and a spice blend that gives the chicken its juicy texture and unmistakable Cava flavor. It’s also:
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Customizable with different sides or sauces
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
- Ready in under 30 minutes of cook time
Whether you’re building a Mediterranean bowl, making a pita wrap, or adding protein to your salad, this Cava grilled chicken recipe has you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cava-style grilled chicken at home:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
Optional Add-Ons (for a full Cava-style bowl):
- Cooked brown rice or basmati rice
- Hummus or tzatziki
- Pickled onions
- Shredded romaine or arugula
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Feta cheese
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
This Cava grilled chicken recipe comes together in a few simple steps, with most of the flavor developed during the marinating process.
Step 1: Prep the Marinade
In a large bowl or a zip-top bag, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor.
Tip: Chicken thighs are best for this recipe—they stay juicy on the grill and soak up all the marinade flavors.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or the pan to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Place it directly on the grill.
- Grill each side for 5–7 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Flip once, and don’t press down on the chicken—that’ll squeeze out the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer: chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Let the grilled chicken rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then slice into thin strips or cubes.
How to Build a Cava-Inspired Bowl
Once your Cava grilled chicken is ready, it’s time to build your bowl. Here’s how to replicate the Cava experience:
- Base: Brown rice, white rice, or a mix of greens
- Spread: A scoop of hummus, tzatziki, or roasted red pepper dip
- Protein: Sliced grilled chicken
- Toppings: Pickled onions, cucumber-tomato salad, shredded lettuce, olives
- Finish: Crumbled feta and a drizzle of garlic dressing or tahini
Mix and match based on what you love or have in the fridge.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cava Grilled Chicken
- Marinate Overnight: Don’t rush the marinade—it’s the key to getting that signature flavor.
- Use Thighs Over Breasts: They’re more forgiving on the grill and absorb flavor better.
- Rest Before Slicing: Always let the chicken sit a few minutes post-grill for maximum juiciness.
- Double the Batch: This chicken keeps well in the fridge and works great for meal prep.
- Indoor Option: No grill? Use a cast iron skillet or broil the chicken in the oven for that charred effect.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry—here are some substitutions that still keep the flavor on point:
- Red Wine Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- Smoked Paprika: Use regular paprika, but add a tiny pinch of liquid smoke if you have it
- Chicken Thighs: You can use breasts, just slice them thinner or pound them out to even thickness
- Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is best for brightness
Storing and Reheating
Storing:
- Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Add a splash of water or broth and reheat gently, covered.
- Skillet: Heat in a pan over low heat with a lid on to keep it moist.
- Oven: Cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes.
Meal Prep Tip: Slice and portion the grilled chicken into individual containers with rice and veggies for easy lunches.
Variations on the Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe
Want to switch it up? Here are a few variations worth trying:
1. Spicy Harissa Chicken
Add a tablespoon of harissa paste to the marinade for a deeper, spicier North African flavor.
2. Lemon Herb Chicken
Add fresh chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary to the marinade for an herby twist.
3. Greek Yogurt Marinade
Swap olive oil with Greek yogurt in the marinade for extra tenderness and a tangy flavor.
4. Cava-Inspired Wrap
Wrap the grilled chicken in warm pita with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, tzatziki, and feta for a portable Mediterranean meal.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Marinate Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 15–20 minutes | 2–12 hours | ~2.5 hours | 4–6 servings |
Conclusion: Make Cava Grilled Chicken Anytime You Crave It
This Cava grilled chicken recipe is your ticket to bold Mediterranean flavor right from your own kitchen. With a simple marinade and some grill time, you’ll have juicy, smoky chicken that rivals the restaurant version. Pair it with your favorite grains, spreads, and toppings to create meals you’ll want to eat all week.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a family, or just craving something fresh and flavorful, this recipe will become a go-to. Make it once, and you’ll never want takeout again.
