Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe | Fresh Mediterranean Flavor

Craving a healthy, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish? My Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken marinated in Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon, and aromatic herbs. This recipe is inspired by the famous flavors of Cava restaurants, delivering a perfect balance of tang, smokiness, and freshness right from your own grill or oven.

Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a protein-packed dish to pair with rice bowls, salads, or warm pita bread, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Marinating the Chicken

Marination is the secret to that juicy, tangy, and herb-packed flavor you love in Cava-style grilled chicken. The combination of Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with bold Mediterranean notes.

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Greek yogurt
  
• Olive oil
  
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
  
• Red wine vinegar
  
• Dried oregano
  
• Dried thyme
  
• Salt and black pepper
  

This creamy, zesty marinade coats the chicken perfectly and locks in moisture.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts (or thighs) in a ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.

Step 3: Refrigerate & Marinate

Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but for the best results, let it sit overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender your grilled chicken will be.

Grilling the Chicken

Now comes the best part, grilling the chicken to smoky, juicy perfection. This is where the marinade transforms into golden charred flavor on the outside while keeping the chicken moist inside.

Step 1: Preheat the Grill (or Oven)

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F).
  
• If using an oven, preheat it to the same temperature and line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly oil it.
  

Step 2: Prepare the Grill Grates

Brush or spray your grill grates with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. This ensures you get those beautiful grill marks without losing any of the flavorful crust.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess.
  
• Place on the hot grill and cook for 20–30 minutes total, flipping halfway through.
  
• Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken; it should reach 165°F for safe and juicy results.
  

Step 4: Rest Before Slicing

Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the juices locked in, giving you perfectly tender chicken every time.

Serving Suggestions

This Cava Grilled Chicken is versatile and can be enjoyed in so many delicious ways:

• Rice Bowl Style: Slice the chicken and serve over fluffy basmati or brown rice with roasted veggies, cucumber, and a drizzle of tzatziki.
  
• Mediterranean Wrap: Tuck it into warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and hummus.
  
• Salad Topper: Add sliced chicken on top of a fresh Greek salad for a light and refreshing meal.
  
• Meal Prep Hero: Portion into containers with grains, greens, and a sauce for quick, healthy lunches all week.

Storage Instructions

Keeping it Fresh

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain tenderness.

Freezing Option

Want to meal prep for longer? Freeze grilled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Sophia smith

Cava Grilled Chicken Recipe

Juicy, tender, and packed with Mediterranean flavor, this Cava Grilled Chicken recipe is marinated in Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for rice bowls, wraps, or salads!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 260

Ingredients Video Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat works best)
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ fresh lemon (juiced)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• ½ tablespoon dried oregano
• ½ tablespoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)

Video

Notes

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right kitchen tools makes grilling this chicken a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Mixing Bowl: To prepare and mix the marinade.
2. Ziplock Bag or Shallow Dish: Perfect for marinating the chicken evenly.
3. Grill or Oven: Either option works; grill for smoky flavor or oven-bake for convenience.
4. Kitchen Tongs: To handle the chicken while grilling.
5. Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temp of 165°F without overcooking.
6. Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing and serving the chicken beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! In fact, chicken thighs are often juicier and more flavorful. You can swap them in with the same marinade and cooking instructions, keep an eye on the cooking time since thighs may take slightly longer.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely. If you don’t have a grill, bake the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 25–30 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for that grilled charred effect. You can also cook it in a skillet or grill pan on the stovetop.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. If you have time, let it sit for 12–24 hours to absorb maximum flavor. Even 30 minutes in the marinade will add a tasty boost.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut yogurt or almond-based yogurt. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavors will still shine.

What sides go best with Cava Grilled Chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Rice or quinoa bowls
  
• Fresh salads (Greek, cucumber-tomato, or tabbouleh)
  
• Roasted or grilled vegetables
  
• Warm pita bread and dips like tzatziki or hummus
  

Can I freeze marinated chicken?

Yes! You can freeze the chicken in the marinade before cooking. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.

Conclusion

Making Cava Grilled Chicken at home is easier than you think, and the results are restaurant-quality! The Greek yogurt marinade keeps the chicken tender, the herbs and spices pack in bold flavor, and grilling brings that irresistible smoky finish.

Whether you serve it in a rice bowl, wrap, or salad, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to in your kitchen. Simple, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean goodness, it’s a true flavor powerhouse.

So fire up your grill, grab your ingredients, and let’s bring the taste of Cava right to your dinner table. 

Sophia smith

Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.