Cava Harissa Honey Chicken: A Nutritional Breakdown
Cava's Harissa Honey Chicken has become a fan-favorite, celebrated for its unique balance of spicy harissa and sweet honey. This popular menu item is a cornerstone of many personalized bowls and pitas. While the core chicken component offers a solid nutritional foundation, the overall caloric intake depends on how you build your meal around it. The base nutrition for the chicken itself is a great starting point for making informed dietary decisions.
The Core Numbers: What’s in the Chicken Itself?
A standard serving of Cava's Harissa Honey Chicken protein contains:
- Calories: 260 kcal.
- Total Fat: 14g, which makes up about 49% of the calories.
- Protein: 26g, providing 40% of the calories.
- Carbohydrates: 7g, contributing 11% of the calories.
- Sodium: 670mg.
- Cholesterol: 135mg.
Building Your Cava Bowl: Calorie Variations
The final calorie count of your meal can vary dramatically depending on the ingredients you choose. For instance, combining the chicken with a high-calorie base and toppings can easily push the total into a much higher range. Conversely, a lighter, vegetable-focused bowl can keep the calories well within a moderate range.
Example Cava Bowl Builds
- Low-Calorie Bowl: Starting with a base of SuperGreens (40 kcal), adding the Harissa Honey Chicken (260 kcal), topping with cucumber (5 kcal) and shredded romaine (10 kcal), and finishing with a light splash of lemon herb tahini (70 kcal) results in a total of approximately 385 calories. This is a very lean, protein-packed option.
- High-Calorie Bowl: Opting for a brown rice base (310 kcal), the Harissa Honey Chicken (260 kcal), and toppings such as Crazy Feta (110 kcal) and red pepper hummus (70 kcal), before adding a hearty drizzle of harissa vinaigrette (100 kcal) can raise the total to over 850 calories. This demonstrates how significant the additions are.
Comparing Harissa Honey Chicken to Other Cava Proteins
| Protein Option | Calories (1 serving) | Total Fat | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harissa Honey Chicken | 260 kcal | 14g | 26g | 670mg |
| Grilled Chicken | 250 kcal | 15g | 29g | 680mg |
| Grilled Steak | 210 kcal | 13g | 22g | 620mg |
| Braised Lamb | 210 kcal | 12g | 22g | 360mg |
| Glazed Salmon | 320 kcal | 22g | 26g | 400mg |
Data sourced from Cava's nutrition information, with figures potentially varying slightly based on market or recipe changes.
As the table shows, the Harissa Honey Chicken is relatively comparable to the other protein options at Cava, particularly the Grilled Chicken, in terms of caloric density and macronutrient distribution. The key difference often lies in the sodium and fat content, making it important to consider when building a meal for specific dietary goals.
How to Adapt Your Order for Specific Goals
- For Weight Loss: Focus on building a bowl with the Harissa Honey Chicken over a base of greens like SuperGreens or arugula. Load up on low-calorie vegetables such as tomato, cucumber, and cabbage slaw. Choose lower-calorie toppings like pickled onions and stick with a light, measured amount of dressing, or simply use lemon juice and spices.
- For Muscle Building: Pair the Harissa Honey Chicken with a more substantial base like brown rice or black lentils for added carbohydrates. Incorporate additional protein sources like hummus and Crazy Feta. The combination of protein from the chicken and complex carbs from the base can support muscle recovery and growth.
- For Low-Sodium Diets: Be mindful of the significant sodium content in the Harissa Honey Chicken (670mg). While it can still be part of a healthy diet, you may want to limit other high-sodium additions like Crazy Feta and certain dressings. Instead, opt for fresh vegetables and less processed toppings.
Conclusion
The 260 calories in Cava's Harissa Honey Chicken make it a flavorful and protein-rich choice for building a nutritious meal. Its impact on your overall calorie count, however, is heavily influenced by the other ingredients you select. By using Cava's online nutrition tools and making conscious choices, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that aligns perfectly with your dietary objectives.
For a detailed overview of all Cava's menu items and their nutritional values, refer to their official Nutrition and Allergen Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in Cava Harissa Honey Chicken?
The main ingredients include boneless, skinless chicken, harissa chili paste, honey, and a blend of Mediterranean spices.
Is Cava Harissa Honey Chicken spicy?
It has a balanced flavor profile, combining the spicy kick of harissa with the sweetness of honey.
Can I make a low-calorie bowl with the Harissa Honey Chicken?
Yes, combine the chicken with a green base (SuperGreens, arugula) and vegetable toppings while using a light dressing or vinaigrette.
Is Cava Harissa Honey Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, the Harissa Honey Chicken itself is typically gluten-free, but customers should always verify with restaurant staff and be aware of cross-contamination risks due to shared cooking spaces.
How does the protein content compare to other options?
With 26g of protein per serving, it is a high-protein choice that is comparable to Cava's Grilled Chicken option.
How can I reduce the sodium when ordering the Harissa Honey Chicken?
Limit other high-sodium toppings and sauces like Crazy Feta or certain vinaigrettes. Loading up on fresh vegetables can also help balance the overall sodium intake.
Where can I find the official Cava nutritional information?
The official Cava website provides a comprehensive Nutrition and Allergen Guide, which is the most reliable source for the latest information.
Key Takeaways
- Calorie Count: A standard serving of Cava's Harissa Honey Chicken contains 260 calories.
- Balanced Macronutrients: It offers a high protein content (26g) and moderate fat (14g) with low carbs (7g) per serving.
- High Sodium Content: The sodium level is relatively high at 670mg, so be mindful of other high-sodium ingredients.
- Customizable Calories: The total calories of your meal can be heavily managed by your choice of base, toppings, and dressing.
- Versatile Choice: The Harissa Honey Chicken is a flavorful and versatile protein that can fit into different dietary goals, from weight loss to muscle building.
- Official Source: Always consult Cava's official nutrition guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
