CAVA's grilled chicken contains 28 grams of protein per serving. That's one of the highest protein counts among all CAVA proteins, making it the go-to choice for muscle building, weight loss, and staying full.
Complete Nutrition Breakdown
Here's everything you need to know about CAVA's grilled chicken:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 28g | 56% DV |
| Calories | 250 | 12% DV (2000 cal diet) |
| Total Fat | 13g | 17% DV |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% DV |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% DV |
| Sodium | 670mg | 29% DV |
| Cholesterol | 100mg | 33% DV |
Is 28g of Protein Good?
Yes, 28g is excellent! Here's why CAVA's grilled chicken is one of the best protein choices:
✅ Why 28g Is Great:
- • More than half your daily protein in one meal (RDA is 50g)
- • 8.9 calories per gram of protein - very efficient
- • Complete protein with all essential amino acids
- • Keeps you full for 4-5 hours
- • Supports muscle growth and recovery
How Does It Compare to Other Proteins?
CAVA grilled chicken has the highest protein content of all CAVA proteins:
| Protein Option | Protein | Calories | Cal/g Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | 28g 🥇 | 250 | 8.9 |
| Harissa Honey Chicken | 26g | 260 | 10.0 |
| Braised Lamb | 24g | 210 | 8.8 |
| Grilled Steak | 23g | 170 | 7.4 |
| Spicy Lamb Meatballs | 18g | 220 | 12.2 |
| Falafel | 6g ❌ | 350 | 58.3 |
🏆 Winner: Grilled Chicken
With 28g protein, grilled chicken beats all other options. Even harissa honey chicken (26g) and steak (23g) fall short. Falafel? Not even close at 6g.
How Much Protein Do You Actually Need?
The amount of protein you need depends on your goals:
📊 Daily Protein Needs:
- • Sedentary: 0.8g per kg body weight
- • Active: 1.2-1.4g per kg
- • Muscle Building: 1.6-2.2g per kg
- • Weight Loss: 1.6-2.0g per kg
💪 Example (150 lb person):
- • Weight: 150 lbs = 68 kg
- • Sedentary: 54g/day
- • Active: 82-95g/day
- • Building Muscle: 109-150g/day
28g chicken = 26-52% of daily needs!
How to Build a High-Protein CAVA Bowl
Want to maximize protein? Here's how to build bowls with 40-60g protein:
💪 Moderate Protein Bowl (43g protein)
Ingredients:
- • Grilled Chicken (28g protein)
- • SuperGreens (3g protein)
- • Hummus (2g protein)
- • Tzatziki (2g protein)
- • Crumbled Feta (3g protein)
- • Veggies + Light Dressing
Totals:
- • 43g protein
- • 520 calories
- • 19g carbs
- • 31g fat
✅ Great for: Most people, balanced nutrition
🔥 High Protein Bowl (52g protein)
Ingredients:
- • Grilled Chicken (28g protein)
- • Black Lentils base (18g protein)
- • Hummus (2g protein)
- • Crumbled Feta (3g protein)
- • Veggies + Light Dressing
Totals:
- • 52g protein 🏆
- • 640 calories
- • 53g carbs
- • 25g fat
🔥 Great for: Muscle building, high protein needs
💥 Maximum Protein Bowl (60g protein)
Ingredients:
- • Double Chicken (56g protein) 🔥
- • Black Lentils base (18g protein)
- • Hummus (2g protein)
- • Crazy Feta (4g protein)
- • Veggies + Yogurt Dressing
Totals:
- • 60g protein 💪
- • 760 calories
- • 56g carbs
- • 32g fat
💥 Great for: Serious athletes, bodybuilders, post-workout
Pro Tips to Maximize Protein
💡 Smart Protein Strategies:
What Makes CAVA Chicken High in Protein?
CAVA's grilled chicken is protein-dense because:
- Lean chicken breast: White meat has more protein than dark meat
- Grilled, not fried: No breading or coating that adds empty calories
- Minimal marinade: Simple seasoning doesn't dilute protein content
- Proper portions: Generous serving size (~6 oz cooked)
Is CAVA Chicken Good Quality?
Yes! CAVA sources quality chicken:
✅ Quality Indicators:
- • Antibiotic-free chicken
- • Fresh, never frozen
- • Grilled fresh daily
- • Minimal processing
- • Complete protein source
💪 Protein Benefits:
- • All 9 essential amino acids
- • High bioavailability
- • Supports muscle growth
- • Promotes satiety
- • Aids recovery
Common Questions About CAVA Chicken Protein
Q: Can I get double chicken?
Yes! You can add extra chicken for an additional charge. This gives you 56g protein total.
Q: Is 28g enough protein for one meal?
For most people, yes! 28g is an excellent amount for a single meal. Most nutritionists recommend 20-30g protein per meal.
Q: Does the protein change if I get it in a pita?
No. The chicken itself is the same - 28g protein whether in a bowl or pita. The pita adds carbs but no protein.
Q: Is CAVA chicken better than other fast food chicken?
Generally yes. CAVA's grilled chicken has more protein and less fat than most breaded/fried fast food chicken.
The Bottom Line
CAVA grilled chicken delivers 28 grams of high-quality protein in just 250 calories:
- ✅ Highest protein option at CAVA
- ✅ Excellent protein-to-calorie ratio (8.9 cal/g)
- ✅ Complete protein with all essential amino acids
- ✅ Keeps you full for hours
- ✅ Supports muscle growth and recovery
- ✅ Works for any diet goal - weight loss, maintenance, or muscle building
💡 Final Tip:
If you're trying to hit 100g+ protein per day, a CAVA chicken bowl gets you nearly halfway there in a single meal. Add black lentils as your base and protein-rich dips, and you can easily hit 50g+ in one sitting!
Calculate Your Perfect Protein Bowl
Use our calculator to build a high-protein CAVA bowl customized to your exact protein goals. See real-time nutrition as you add ingredients!
Try the Calculator