Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for grilling
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, arugula, and romaine work great)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or 2% work best)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar (optional, but adds a nice tang)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Substitution tips: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, a thick plain yogurt or even labneh works wonderfully in the tzatziki. For the chicken, thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat, just adjust cooking time slightly. And if you want a dairy-free version, try swapping the tzatziki for a tahini-based dressing with lemon and garlic—still delicious and fresh!
Instructions
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and rub the spices in well. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This step helps keep the chicken juicy—something I learned the hard way when I first started cooking for my family!
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the tzatziki dressing. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well and taste to adjust the seasoning. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a teaspoon or two of water.
- In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad, then drizzle generously with your homemade tzatziki dressing.
- Give everything one last gentle toss to combine the flavors, or leave the dressing on the side if you prefer to serve it family-style.
One tip I always share from my experience: grilling the chicken with a little char adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh tzatziki. It takes the salad from everyday to special in minutes. Also, resting the chicken is non-negotiable in my book—patience in the kitchen really pays off!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International