Copycat CAVA Bowl
📋Recipe & Ingredients listed below
🍗Chicken thigh
•5 chicken thighs
• 1 lime
•1/4 cups of plain greek yogurt
• 1/2 can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 tsp tomato bullion powder
•1 tsp garlic powder
•1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp chipotle pepper seasoning (World Market)
• 2 tsp Harissa seasoning (World Market)
• 4 tsp olive oil
👩🏾🍳 For the marinade, blend together half a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt, the juice of half a lime, olive oil and seasoning listed. Marinate for 2-24 hours for best results.
👩🏾🍳I preheated my cast iron pan over medium heat, then added just enough olive oil to coat the bottom along with a tablespoon of butter. I cooked the chicken thighs for 10 to 12 minutes on each side.
🌽Corn Salsa
• 1 can whole kernel corn (drained)
• 1 Pasilla Poblano pepper
•1/2 lime
• salt
• pepper
• cumin
• paprika
👩🏾🍳 I roasted the pepper in the air fryer at 400°F for 20 minutes, then diced and and mixed it with the corn and the other listed ingredients.
🥒Cucumber salad
• 10 cherry red tomatoes
• 1/2 cucumber peeled & thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Pita Chips
• Pita bread
• Harissa seasoning
• Tomato bouillon
• onion powder
• cayenne
• paprika
•cumin
👩🏾🍳 I cut my pita bread into triangle chips and shallow-fried the pita chips in 350°F oil for about one minute per side, then tossed them in the listed seasonings.
Crispy strips
👩🏾🍳 A thinly sliced some corn tortilla shells into strips and fried them for about one minute in 350° oil.
Base : Arugula and White Rice
Cheese topping : Cojita Cheese
CAVA : Crazy Feta, Greek Green Goddess, and Spicy Humus sold at Whole Foods Market
📍7111 E Mayo Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85054
United States
Now assemble and enjoy!
Creating a homemade CAVA bowl is a great way to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors while customizing ingredients to your liking. This recipe features juicy marinated chicken thighs infused with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and Greek yogurt, which tenderizes the meat and adds smoky spice. The marinade's combination of garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and Harissa seasoning brings complexity typical of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The corn salsa complements the chicken perfectly, adding a hint of sweetness balanced with smoky heat from roasted Pasilla Poblano pepper. Roasting peppers in an air fryer not only softens them but also brings out their natural smoky flavors within minutes. Pairing corn with cumin and paprika echoes traditional Southwestern taste profiles, while lime juice brightens the salsa. For refreshing contrast, the cucumber salad is a must. Including cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion tossed in red wine vinegar provides acidity and crunch, helping to balance the richness of the meats and dips. This salad is quick to prep yet adds an important textural element. The homemade pita chips offer a lovely crispy texture that elevates the bowl. Tossing freshly fried pita triangles in Harissa, tomato bouillon, and spices ensures each chip bursts with flavor. Likewise, corn tortilla strips fried until golden add crunch and variety. Using arugula and white rice as the base provides a peppery green and neutral grain foundation to carry all components. For an authentic touch, sprinkle Cotija cheese on top, enhancing the bowl with subtle salty notes. Finally, consider adding the same signature dips CAVA offers, such as Crazy Feta, Greek Green Goddess, and Spicy Hummus, which you can often find at Whole Foods Market. These dips provide creaminess and additional tang that tie the bowl's flavors together. This copycat recipe is ideal for anyone looking to recreate the popular Mediterranean fast-casual experience at home. Whether for a healthy lunch or a comforting dinner, customizing each element lets you control spice levels and freshness, ensuring each bite is delicious and satisfying.
I love cava it would be easier at home