Is chicken good with tzatziki?

Are you kidding me? Chicken and tzatziki is like asking if chocolate goes with peanut butter. It's one of those perfect combinations that just makes sense. The cool, tangy sauce balances the warm chicken, and the yogurt actually makes the meat more tender and juicy.

What meat goes well with tzatziki sauce?

Besides chicken, tzatziki is amazing with lamb (super traditional), grilled fish, turkey, and even beef. Really any lean protein that benefits from something cool and creamy. I've even tried it with roasted salmon and it was incredible.

What does tzatziki go well with?

Everything! Okay, maybe not everything, but it's crazy versatile. Use it as a dip for vegetables or pita, a sauce for grilled meats, or thin it out a little for salad dressing. It's also great with Mediterranean grain bowls and as a cooling element in spicy dishes.

How long to marinate chicken in tzatziki?

Actually, don't marinate chicken directly in tzatziki for too long – the dairy can make the meat mushy. If you do it, keep it under 4 hours. It's better to use a separate marinade for the chicken and serve the tzatziki as a sauce.

What does marinating your chicken in Greek yogurt do?

Marinating chicken in Greek yogurt makes it incredibly tender because the natural acids break down the tough fibers. Plus, the proteins in the yogurt help keep the chicken moist while it cooks. Just don't go over 8 hours or you'll end up with mushy chicken.

Yes! Tzatziki is actually really good for you. The Greek yogurt has probiotics for your digestive system, protein to keep you full, and the cucumber adds vitamins and hydration. A typical serving has only about 35 calories but gives you 3 grams of protein. Way better than most sauces.

Chicken and Tzatziki: 5 Incredible Secrets That'll Amaze You

Description

Juicy marinated chicken paired with authentic creamy tzatziki sauce. This Greek-inspired Chicken and Tzatziki combo turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary that your family will beg you to make again.

Ingredients

The Tzatziki Part (This is Where the Magic Happens)

1½ cups Greek yogurt – Don’t even think about using regular yogurt

1 large cucumber – We’re going to do something special with this

3 garlic cloves – Fresh is best, but powder works too

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – The bottled stuff is fine

2 tablespoons good olive oil – Splurge a little here

2 tablespoons fresh dill – Or 1 tablespoon dried if that’s what you have

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

The Chicken Part (Keep It Simple)

1½ pounds chicken – Thighs or breasts, whatever you like

¼ cup olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons dried oregano – This is what makes it taste Greek

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika – For that nice color

The Fun Extras (Make It Your Own)

Pita bread – For wrapping or dipping

Salad greens – Any kind you like

Cherry tomatoes

Red onion – Just a little for crunch

Kalamata olives – These are the fancy black ones

Feta cheese – Because more Greek flavor is always good

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Step 1: Deal with the Cucumber First (This is Important!)

Grate your cucumber using the big holes on a cheese grater
Put it in a strainer and sprinkle with salt
Let it sit for 30 minutes, then squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel

Step 2: Mix Everything Together (Easy Part)

Put the Greek yogurt in a bowl
Add the squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil
Stir in the dill, salt, and pepper
Taste it and add more of whatever you think it needs
Stick it in the fridge for at least an hour

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken (Don’t Skip This)

Mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl
If you’re using chicken breasts, pound them so they’re all the same thickness
Put the chicken in the marinade and make sure it’s all coated
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have time

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Right (No More Dry Meat)

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat
Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off
Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until it hits 165°F inside
Let it rest for 5 minutes before you cut it

Notes

Tzatziki gets better overnight in the fridge
Marinate chicken up to 4 hours for maximum flavor
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts
For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt (won’t be as tangy)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Mediterranean Dinner Recipes
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Greek/Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 oz chicken + 3 tbsp tzatziki
Calories: 285 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg