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5 from 1 vote

Easy CAVA Bowls with Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Thighs & Yellow Basmati Rice

If you’re obsessed with CAVA bowls like I am, this homemade version is going to blow your mind. Flavor-packed grilled chicken, fluffy yellow rice, and all the toppings your heart desires—yes please. It’s perfect for meal prep and honestly, better than takeout.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author natasha

Ingredients

Yogurt-Marinated Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • squeeze of lemon juice, about 1 tbsp
  • 1 tbsp Kinder’s Smoky All Purpose Seasoning or sub Cajun seasoning for a kick

Yellow Basmati Rice - Instant Pot Method

  • 1/2 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 1/4 cups basmati rice
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 1 spring of fresh thyme
  • Water check your rice brand instructions—Instant Pot uses a little less; I eyeball it (about 1 cup of water per cup of rice)

For toppings:

  • Hummus
  • Spring mix or chopped romaine
  • Pickled red onions
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Tzatziki
  • Cucumbers olives, or your favorite CAVA-style toppings

Instructions

For chicken:

  • In a large bowl or ziplock bag, mix together yogurt, lemon juice and all the seasonings.
  • Add chicken thighs and coat evenly. Let it marinate if you can (up to overnight f you have time). If not, that's okay, still taste great cooked right away!
  • Grill on medium-high heat for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest, then slice.

For Rice:

  • Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear.
  • In your Instant Pot, sauté the diced onion in a little oil until translucent (use the “Sauté” function).
  • Add turmeric and stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spice.
  • Add the rinsed rice, thyme, water, season to taste with salt, stir , and seal the lid.
  • Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a natural release for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork once done. You can also just select the rice function on the instant pot.

Build Bowl:

  • A scoop of yellow basmati rice
  • Sliced grilled chicken
  • Spring mix or chopped romaine
  • Hummus
  • Pickled red onions
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Tzatziki
  • Cucumbers, olives, or your favorite CAVA-style toppings
  • Serve with warm naan or pita bread on the side
  • Let the bowls cool, then store in the fridge for up to 4 days.