Cava Grill Chicken Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (2024)

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By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 5, 2023 | Last Updated on October 5, 2023

Cava Grill is a fast-casual restaurant that serves fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. One of their most popular menu items is their delicious grilled chicken.

Now, you can recreate this tasty dish at home with our simple and easy-to-follow guide straight from Cava Grill’s kitchen! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful and crispy chicken dinner for your family tonight.

So fire up the grill and get ready to impress with our Cava Grill chicken. Let’s dive in!

Cava Grill Chicken Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (1)

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What is Cava Grill Chicken?

Cava Grill chicken is a staple dish at the popular fast-casual restaurant, Cava Grill. It features tender and juicy chicken thighs marinated in a tangy blend of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic. Grilled to perfection, this flavorful dish is served with your choice of sides for a satisfying meal.

The secret to its deliciousness lies in the simple yet flavorful marinade that gives the chicken its unique Mediterranean twist. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a healthy and easy dinner option without compromising on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Cava Grill Chicken?

There are many reasons why you’ll love this Cava Grill chicken. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients and prep time. It’s a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want a quick yet satisfying dinner.

The marinade gives the chicken a unique and delicious flavor that will surely impress your taste buds. Plus, the fantastic aroma that fills your kitchen while the chicken is grilling will make your mouth water in anticipation.

Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. You can pair it with a variety of sides, making it perfect for any occasion or preference. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or indulging in some comfort food, Cava Grill chicken has got you covered.

One of the best things about this Cava Grill chicken is that it is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, while Greek yogurt adds calcium and probiotics to the dish.

Fresh herbs and lemon juice also provide a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, with the option to choose your sides, you can make this dish as healthy as you want it to be.

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The Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: This calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You can also use chicken breast or a combination of both if you prefer.
  • Greek yogurt: Adding Greek yogurt to the marinade helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor.
  • Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives this dish a bright and zesty taste.
  • Oregano: This herb adds a delicious Mediterranean flavor to the chicken.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt brings out all the flavors in this dish.
  • Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of savory flavor to the marinade.
  • Pepper: Ground pepper adds a hint of spice to balance out the other flavors.
  • Olive oil: This healthy fat helps coat the chicken and prevent it from sticking to the grill.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Marinate the chicken thighs

  • In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, oregano, salt, minced garlic, and pepper.
  • Add in the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2

Preheat your grill

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F.
  • If using a gas grill, brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3

Grill the chicken thighs

  • Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  • Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 4

Serve and enjoy!

  • Serve the Cava Grill chicken with your favorite sides such as rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Cava Grill Chicken

  • For even more flavor, add some smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken as it can become tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps retain the juices and keeps it juicy.
Cava Grill Chicken Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (3)

Nutrition Information

Cava Grill Chicken Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (4)

How to Store Cava Grill Chicken?

  • Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
  • You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Variations

  • Add a spicy kick by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
  • For a different flavor profile, swap out the oregano for other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.
  • For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken and follow the same marinade and grilling steps.

Cava Grill Chicken Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (5)

Cava Grill Chicken Recipe

Cava Grillis a fast-casual restaurant that serves fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. One of their most popular menu items is their delicious grilled chicken.

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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Rest time:: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 20

Calories: 296kcal

Equipment

  • grill

  • Large Bowl

Ingredients

  • 6 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp oregano
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 6 cloves of fresh garlic finely minced
  • 2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup olive oil

Instructions

  • In a large marinating bowl, blend together the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, aromatic oregano, fine salt, minced garlic cloves, and ground pepper until fully combined. Add the boneless and skinless chicken thighs into the blended marinade. Toss them well for an even coating of the flavorful mixture. Cover the marinating bowl with a plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least two hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the chicken to fully absorb all the delicious flavors from the marinade.

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F. If using a gas grill, lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.

  • Once marinated, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This will ensure even cooking throughout the chicken. Place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to distribute evenly throughout the chicken, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

  • Serve your delicious Cava Grill chicken with your choice of sides such as fluffy rice, hearty quinoa, or mouth-watering roasted vegetables. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs and squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken before serving.

Notes

  • For even more flavor, add some smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken as it can become tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps retain the juices and keeps it juicy.

Keyword: Cava Grill Chicken Recipe

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast for this recipe. Keep in mind that it may require a shorter cooking time since chicken breast tends to cook faster than thighs.

Can I bake this instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Broil for a few minutes at the end for a crispy exterior.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken overnight and grill it when ready to serve. This is a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Wrapping Up

We hope you enjoy this delicious Cava Grill chicken recipe straight from the experts at Cava Grill. With its simple yet flavorful marinade and versatile serving options, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Try it out for yourself and see why everyone loves this tasty Mediterranean twist on grilled chicken! Happy grilling! So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your grill and get ready to indulge in the amazing flavors of this Cava Grill chicken.

Thank you for reading this article. Please share this with your friends and family.

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Author Profile

Lori Walker, MS, RD

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more

Cava Grill Chicken Recipe - Easy Kitchen Guide (2024)

FAQs

What type of chicken does Cava use? ›

While there is still work to do, we remain committed to broiler chicken welfare and are working diligently with our suppliers to drive further progress and deliver on that commitment.

Is Cava owned by Mcdonald's? ›

Cava (stylized as CAVA), also referred to as Cava Grill, is a Mediterranean fast casual restaurant chain with locations across the United States. Cava is owned by the publicly traded Cava Group, which purchased Zoës Kitchen in August 2018.

Why is cava better than Chipotle? ›

While Chipotle has two base grain options (white or brown rice), Cava offers nine different choices of grains and greens. Almost all of them are irresistible, making it hard to choose.

Should chicken be seasoned before grilling? ›

Yes, you should always season your chicken before cooking when it's raw. You can even do this up to 24 hours before if you have the time. Why? Because leaving the seasoning on your chicken overnight in the fridge will help it start to trap moisture in the chicken, which will make it nice and juicy once cooked.

Do you need to season chicken before grilling? ›

Just sprinkling a little salt on top of your chicken right before cooking it will only season the surface. But seasoning the chicken with salt well ahead of time or brining it in a salt-water solution will draw salt deep into the meat, resulting in a very tasty piece of chicken.

What is the secret to grilling chicken? ›

Grill over indirect or direct heat but keep the lid closed

If you're cooking a larger or thicker piece of chicken breast, grill over indirect heat before or after charring, especially if you want to be sure that it's cooked all the way through.

Why does grilled chicken taste better than baked? ›

Grilled chicken typically provides a nice char, which gives the poultry more flavor and texture compared to baking or sauteing. It's especially nice during the warmer months because you get some fresh air — and the technique prevents the house from being overwhelmed with cooking odors.

Why is my grilled chicken tough? ›

Overcooking or cooking at too high a temperature can result in tough, dry chicken. Undercooking can leave chicken undercooked and chewy. Proper cooking techniques, such as roasting, grilling, or braising, can help maintain moisture and tenderness.

How long to grill grilled chicken? ›

Time, Temperature and Technique
  1. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. Time: 5 to 6 minutes per side. ...
  2. Chicken Tenders. Time: 2 to 3 minutes per side. ...
  3. Chicken Wings. Time: 15 to 20 minutes. ...
  4. Drumsticks. Time: 30 minutes. ...
  5. Thighs (Bone-In) Time: 30 to 40 minutes. ...
  6. Boneless Skinless Thighs. ...
  7. Skip the Guesswork. ...
  8. Use Direct and Indirect Heat.

Why is it called a Santa Maria grill? ›

Santa Maria Style barbecue is a 150-year old Central Coast tradition that started in the 1800s in Santa Maria Valley, when local ranchers would host barbecue feasts for their vaqueros — or cowboys — as well as family, friends and neighbors.

How to cook chicken on a gas grill? ›

What is the best way to cook chicken on a gas grill? Over a medium-high heat grill (about 350˚-425˚), grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until an internal temperature of 165˚ is achieved.

Which side of chicken to grill first? ›

Season the chicken skin with salt and grill skin side down over moderately low heat until the fat has rendered and the skin is nice and crisp. Keep the heat low — if it gets too high, the fat will sear and not cook slowly and melt away. Flip the chicken and grill for a few minutes skin side up until cooked through.

Does Cava use organic chicken? ›

Our chicken is not certified organic.

Does Cava use hormone free chicken? ›

While not organic, our chicken is hormone-free, antibiotics-free, and non-GMO.

Does Cava use grass fed meat? ›

Cava Restaurant - Cava's Delicious Grass Fed Certified Angus Beef 20oz Rib-Eye Steak | Facebook.

What is the spicy chicken called at Cava? ›

Helloooo sweet-meets-spicy! That's thanks to the harissa honey chicken and the hot harissa vinaigrette. It's a best of both worlds pita, also including Crazy Feta®, hummus, avocado, pickles, fire-roasted corn, crumbled feta, and pickled onions.

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