Ever get tired of bland, boring grilled chicken? I used to feel the same way until I stumbled upon the perfect mix of flavors in my Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe. It’s a game-changer!
This dish is all about bringing Mediterranean flair into your kitchen—think tangy lemon, savory oregano, and juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection.
What I love most about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques.
If you’re craving something quick, healthy, and packed with flavor, this recipe’s for you. Let’s fire up that grill and make some magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I know the struggle—finding a simple grilled chicken recipe that doesn’t dry out or lack flavor. That’s why I love this Cava Grilled Chicken!
It’s marinated in a delicious mix of plain Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs, giving you that perfect balance of zest and spice.
You can enjoy it on its own, in Cava-style bowls, or even slice it up for salads. Trust me, it’ll become a go-to favorite!
Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe
This Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe is the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s healthy, simple, and full of flavor. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or prepping ahead of time.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Course: Main Dish
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: Serves 4
- Calories Per Serving: Approx. 280 kcal
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Cava Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
Optional Substitutions:
- You can swap Greek yogurt with regular yogurt or sour cream.
- If you’re out of lemon juice, white wine vinegar works too!
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have perfectly grilled chicken in no time.
- Marinate The Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Add the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade.
- For optimal effects, marinate for two to four hours, but cover and chill for at least half an hour.
Tip: The yogurt marinade helps tenderize the chicken and locks in moisture, so don’t skip this step!
- Prepare The Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- To keep the chicken from sticking, lightly coat the grill grates with oil.
- Grill The Chicken:
- Put the chicken thighs straight onto the grill after marinating them.
- Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Before serving, take it off the grill and give it five minutes to rest.
Tip: Don’t keep flipping the chicken! Letting it sear properly on each side will give you those beautiful grill marks and seal in the flavor.
- Serve And Enjoy:
- Serve your grilled chicken with a fresh side salad, over a bed of rice, or in a Cava-style bowl with hummus, tzatziki, and pita.
Tip: Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for the ultimate Mediterranean meal.
Cooking Tips
- Want it spicier? For a little spiciness, add red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Adjusting for dietary needs? If you’re dairy-free, you can swap out the yogurt for a non-dairy alternative like coconut yogurt.
- Storing Leftovers: Remaining grilled chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. Serve cold in salads or reheat slowly in a skillet over low heat!
What Ingredients Are In Cava Chicken?
The classic Cava Grilled Chicken includes simple Mediterranean ingredients like chicken thighs, Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs like oregano and paprika. These staple ingredients give the chicken its tender texture and bold flavors.
Is Alfaham And Grilled Chicken The Same?
No, Alfaham is a Middle Eastern dish typically marinated in Arabic spices and grilled over charcoal.
While both Alfaham and grilled chicken are delicious, the spices and cooking techniques differ, giving each a unique taste.
What’s The Difference Between Grilled Chicken And Barbecue Chicken?
The main difference lies in the cooking method and flavors. Grilled chicken is cooked quickly over direct heat, usually with minimal seasoning or marinades.
Barbecue chicken, on the other hand, is cooked slowly and typically basted with sauces, which gives it a smoky, sweet flavor.
Is Grilled Chicken Healthy?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken is a lean source of protein, and when prepared with healthy marinades like yogurt and olive oil, it’s a nutritious option for any meal.
It’s also lower in fat compared to fried chicken, making it a great choice if you’re watching your diet.
Serving Suggestions
This flavorful chicken pairs beautifully with Mediterranean sides. Try serving it with:
- Hummus and Pita Bread for a classic Mediterranean meal
- Greek Salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta
- Grilled Vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers
- Couscous or Quinoa for a light and nutritious side
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well too, but you may need to adjust the grilling time since breasts tend to cook faster.
How Long Should I Marinate The Chicken?
Ideally, you should marinate it for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, let it sit in the fridge for 2-4 hours.
Can I Cook This Chicken On A Stovetop Grill Pan?
Definitely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works just fine.
Try It Out!
Now that you’ve got all the details, it’s time to get grilling! Let me know how your Cava Grilled Chicken turns out, and feel free to share your own tips or variations in the comments.
Looking for more Mediterranean recipes? Check out my other delicious dishes for more flavorful inspiration!
Easy Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe For Juicy, Zesty Flavors
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional for extra smoky flavor
Instructions
Marinate The Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Add the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade.
- For optimal effects, marinate for two to four hours, but cover and chill for at least half an hour.
Prepare The Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- To keep the chicken from sticking, lightly coat the grill grates with oil.
Grill The Chicken:
- Put the chicken thighs straight onto the grill after marinating them.
- Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Before serving, take it off the grill and give it five minutes to rest.
Serve And Enjoy:
- Serve your grilled chicken with a fresh side salad, over a bed of rice, or in a Cava-style bowl with hummus, tzatziki, and pita.
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