Discover the Magic of Cava Chicken Seasoning Today!
Quick Answer
CAVA’s chicken is typically seasoned with a bold Mediterranean blend including harissa, honey, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This mix gives the chicken a slightly spicy, smoky, and sweet flavor that’s signature to their popular Harissa Honey Chicken.
Introduction: Why is CAVA Chicken Seasoning Special?
CAVA is a well-known chain of Mediterranean restaurants that serves delicious, freshly made bowls and wraps. The secret to their special dishes lies in their chicken seasoning — a blend of herbs and spices that offers the perfect mix of tangy, smoky, and savory flavors. This seasoning elevates simple grilled chicken into a mouth-watering meal and brings authentic Mediterranean taste to your plate.
In this article, you will learn what CAVA chicken seasoning is, how to make it at home, and how to use it.
Chicken-Based Menu and Prices
Here’s a quick price and menu table focused on CAVA’s chicken options, based on recent delivery and official sources:
| Menu Item | Description | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken + Rice Bowl | Grilled chicken, brown rice, tzatziki, hummus, feta, veggies | ~$12.85–15.93 |
| Greek Chicken Bowl or Pita | Grilled chicken, hummus, tzatziki, veggies, feta, romaine | ~$14.45–15.93 |
| Harissa Avocado Bowl | Harissa honey chicken, Crazy Feta, avocado, rice, supergreens | ~$19.74–21.96 |
| Spicy Chicken + Avocado Pita | Harissa honey chicken, Crazy Feta, hummus, avocado, pickles | ~$19.74–21.96 |
Culinary Roots of CAVA: Mediterranean Recipes
Mediterranean cuisine is famous for its fresh herbs, spices, and colorful ingredients that enhance both flavor and health. This region includes countries like Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, and Tunisia—where many of CAVA’s recipes originate.
Mediterranean cuisine uses simple, fresh ingredients to create healthy and tasty dishes. Spices play a central role; for example:
- Sumac adds a tangy, lemon-like flavor.
- Oregano is earthy and slightly bitter.
- Paprika adds a hot and smoky element.
These spices do more than flavor food—they’re also part of cultural traditions. CAVA’s chicken seasoning reflects this history and culinary style, blending classic Mediterranean ingredients with modern flavors.
Important Ingredients of CAVA Chicken Seasoning
The essential ingredients in CAVA chicken seasoning are:
- Cumin: Warm and slightly smoky.
- Coriander: Slightly citrusy and sweet.
- Paprika: Adds sweet and smoky depth.
- Garlic Powder: Savory and aromatic.
- Onion Powder: Boosts umami and mild sweetness.
- Black Pepper: Sharp and slightly pungent.
- Sea Salt: Balances all flavors.
- Optional: Chili flakes or Aleppo pepper for extra heat.
Together, these ingredients create a flavorful, well-balanced chicken seasoning.
Health Benefits of CAVA Chicken Seasoning
Beyond flavor, CAVA’s spices offer notable health benefits:
- Sumac: Rich in antioxidants, helps reduce inflammation.
- Oregano: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
- Cumin: Aids digestion and boosts immunity.
- Coriander: Helps regulate blood sugar and fights bacteria.
- Paprika: High in vitamins A and E.
- Garlic: Supports heart and immune health.
- Black Pepper: Enhances nutrient absorption.
Benefits and Tips Table
| Benefits | Tips |
|---|---|
| Enhances flavor with authentic Mediterranean spices | Try different seasonings to find your favorite combination |
| Adds variety without extra calories | Pair spicy seasonings like harissa with cooling sides |
| Made with natural herbs and spices, no artificial additives | Ask for seasoning on the side to control intensity |
| Complements grilled chicken perfectly | Combine lemon-garlic seasoning with herbs for extra zest |
| Adapts to different taste preferences | Customize orders with multiple seasonings for complexity |
How to Make CAVA Chicken Seasoning at Home
Making your own seasoning is both fun and healthy. Adjust the quantities according to your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sumac
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1–1.5 tsp sea salt
- Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes or Aleppo pepper
Preparation
- Mix all the spices well in a dry bowl.
- Taste and adjust (more sumac or chili for stronger flavors).
- Store in an airtight jar; keeps fresh for 2–3 months.
How to Cook Chicken with Seasoning
Marination is key to allow the seasoning to penetrate the chicken.
Basic Marinade
- 2 tbsp CAVA seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1–2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Cooking Methods
- Grill: Medium-high heat, 6–8 minutes per side
- Bake: 400°F (200°C), 20–25 minutes
- Pan-fry: Medium heat with olive oil, 6–7 minutes per side
- Air fry: 375°F (190°C), 15–20 minutes, flip halfway
Rest the chicken for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
CAVA Chicken Seasoning Options and Prices
| Seasoning Option | Description | Price (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Mediterranean | Traditional blend with garlic and herbs | $1.00 |
| Spicy Harissa | North African chili paste blend | $1.50 |
| Za’atar | Thyme, sesame, and sumac blend | $1.25 |
| Lemon Garlic | Zesty lemon with roasted garlic flavor | $1.50 |
| Smoky Paprika | Sweet and smoky paprika with spice mix | $1.25 |
Famous Dishes Made with CAVA Chicken Seasoning
- Chicken Bowls: Includes grains, veggies, greens, and sauces
- Wraps and Pitas: Wrapped in pita with crisp vegetables and sauces
- Salads: Protein-rich green salads topped with seasoned chicken
- Flatbreads or Pizza: Chicken used as a topping with Mediterranean flair
Fresh Complements and Customization Tips
Enhance your chicken with these extras:
- Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for more heat
- Use herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram for freshness
- Combine smoked paprika with cinnamon or allspice for a sweet-smoky twist
- Increase garlic flavor with minced garlic or extra garlic powder
Taste and Flavor Table for CAVA Chicken Options
| CAVA Chicken Option | Flavor Profile | Taste Notes | Spice Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harissa Honey Chicken | Spicy, Sweet, Smoky | Bold harissa heat balanced with honey’s sweetness, smoky undertone | 🌶️🌶️ Medium |
| Grilled Chicken | Savory, Herby, Citrusy | Garlic, lemon, oregano, olive oil; clean and juicy | 🌶️ Mild |
| Spicy Chicken + Avocado Pita | Spicy, Creamy, Tangy | Harissa heat + creamy avocado + pickled veggies; contrasting flavors | 🌶️🌶️ Medium |
| Greek Chicken Bowl | Herby, Earthy, Rich | Traditional Mediterranean herbs with tzatziki and hummus | 🌶️ Mild |
| Harissa Avocado Bowl | Spicy, Rich, Tangy, Creamy | Deep flavor from harissa and Crazy Feta, mellowed with avocado and greens | 🌶️🌶️ Medium |
Conclusion: The Magic of Cava Chicken Seasoning
CAVA chicken seasoning is more than just a spice blend — it’s a true taste of the Mediterranean. Its unique balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes transforms ordinary chicken into a flavorful, aromatic experience.
Packed with health benefits from ingredients like garlic, sumac, and cumin, this seasoning brings together the richness of tradition and the freshness of modern healthy eating. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, CAVA Chicken Seasoning is an easy and delicious way to enhance your meals.
Try it in your kitchen and discover how a small sprinkle can bring bold, Mediterranean flavor to your everyday chicken!