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!
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.
Nutrition Information
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
Equipment
- grill
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
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.
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.
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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