Greek Chicken with Cucumber Feta Salad is a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to prepare. This classic Greek dish features juicy chicken that has been marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection.
The chicken is served alongside a refreshing salad made with crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. It is also a great source of lean protein and plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Try this Greek Chicken with Cucumber Feta Salad today for a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love!
Ingredients For Greek Chicken
If you’re looking for a flavorful and protein-rich dish for tonight’s dinner, then why not try Greek Chicken with Cucumber Feta salad? This dish is made with tender chicken breasts marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a delicious and healthy meal. Let’s find out more about the ingredients needed.
Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein and are the star of this dish. Make sure to use boneless and skinless chicken breasts, as they cook quickly and are easy to slice for serving. Trim off any excess fat or gristle before marinating.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the chicken and helps to tenderize it. Fresh lemon juice is always preferred over bottled, as it contains more natural flavor and acidity. Squeeze the juice from one lemon and save the other half for serving.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple in Greek cuisine and adds healthy fats to the dish. It also helps to keep the chicken moist while cooking. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and quality.
Garlic Cloves
Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the chicken. Use fresh garlic cloves that have been minced or crushed. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but the flavor will not be as pronounced.
Dried Oregano
Oregano is a common herb used in Greek cooking and adds a savory and slightly bitter flavor to the dish. Use dried oregano instead of fresh, as it is more concentrated and will distribute evenly throughout the marinade.
Salt And Pepper
Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.
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Instructions For Making Greek Chicken
Greek chicken with cucumber feta salad is a perfect and refreshing meal for any time of the year. The juicy grilled chicken seasoned with Mediterranean flavors will make you feel like you’re on a Greek vacation. Follow the instructions below to make the perfect Greek chicken.
Marinating The Chicken
The first step to making Greek chicken is marinating the chicken. Marination allows the flavors to seep into the chicken, making it more tender and savory. Below are the instructions for marinating the chicken.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag, pour the marinade over the chicken.
- Seal the bag and turn it over a few times to make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Place the bag in the refrigerator and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results.
Preparing The Chicken For Grilling
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to prepare it for grilling. Follow the instructions below to get the perfect grilled chicken.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, and then season with additional salt and black pepper on both sides.
Grilling The Chicken
The final step to making Greek chicken is grilling the chicken. Follow the instructions below to get the perfectly grilled chicken breasts.
- Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the grilled chicken with cucumber feta salad and enjoy!
Ingredients For Cucumber Feta Salad
This Greek chicken dish is perfectly paired with a refreshing cucumber feta salad. The ingredients include fresh cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Ingredients for Cucumber Feta Salad
Cucumber feta salad is an excellent side dish for Greek chicken. It’s refreshing, light, and packed with flavors that complement the rich taste of the grilled chicken. The salad requires only a few ingredients, but each element has a significant role in making it flavorful. Here are the ingredients required for making the cucumber feta salad.
H3: Cucumbers
Cucumbers are the base of the salad. They are crunchy, mild in flavor, and add refreshing notes to the dish. Make sure to use fresh cucumbers and cut them into small pieces for the perfect texture.
H3: Red Onion
Red onions provide a pungent and crisp flavor to the salad. Sliced thin and added in the right amount, they balance the saltiness of the feta cheese and olives.
H3: Kalamata Olives
Kalamata olives are a staple in Greek cuisine. They have a distinct flavor that adds a rich tanginess to the salad. Cut the olives into small pieces to distribute the flavor evenly.
H3: Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a must-have ingredient for making a flavorful cucumber salad. It has a briny taste that pairs well with the fresh, mild flavor of the cucumbers. Use crumbled feta cheese and mix it with other ingredients for an even distribution.
H3: Lemon Juice
Lemon juice adds acidity to the salad and brings out the flavors of other ingredients. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to elevate the taste.
H3: Olive Oil
Olive oil binds the ingredients together and makes the salad moist. It also adds a fruity, rich flavor to the dish. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
H3: Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are the simplest seasoning ingredients but play an essential role in bringing out the flavors of the dish. Use a moderate amount of salt and pepper to make the cucumber feta salad tasty and balanced.
In conclusion, the cucumber feta salad is a simple, easy-to-make, and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with Greek chicken. The ingredients required for making the salad are readily available, and the recipe is customizable to your taste. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
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Instructions For Making Cucumber Feta Salad
Learn how to make a refreshing and delicious cucumber feta salad to complement your Greek chicken dish. Follow these simple instructions for a healthy and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the combination of juicy chicken and tangy feta cheese with crisp cucumbers dressed in a light vinaigrette.
Instructions for Making Cucumber Feta Salad
Greek cuisine is renowned for its fresh and vibrant flavors. A prime example of this is the classic Greek Chicken with Cucumber Feta Salad dish, which features crisp cucumbers and tangy feta cheese mixed in with juicy tomatoes, red onion, and olives. In this blog post, we will delve into the instructions for making the standout element of this dish: the Cucumber Feta Salad.
Preparing the Salad Vegetables
To begin, gather all the necessary salad vegetables: cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Wash them thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel. Place the cucumbers and tomatoes on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Next, finely chop the red onion and set it aside. Then, pit and slice the olives, being careful not to let any of the juice stain your clothing. Once all the vegetables are prepped, place them in a large bowl.
Making the Salad Dressing
The next step is to make the salad dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add in minced garlic and whisk again until well combined. This dressing is the perfect combination of tangy and zesty flavors that will elevate the salad’s taste by adding a zing to it.
Assembling the Salad
The final step is to assemble the salad. Pour the salad dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss everything until it is well coated. Finally, add in crumbled feta cheese, taking care not to overdo it. Mix gently and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
In conclusion, with these simple steps, you can easily make a refreshing and delicious Cucumber Feta Salad that pairs perfectly with the Greek Chicken dish. This salad is not only flavorful and healthy but also incredibly simple to put together, making it the ideal side dish for any meal.
Tips For Grilling Perfect Chicken
Grilling the perfect Greek chicken with a cucumber feta salad can be achieved with a few simple tips. Marinade the chicken with lemon, oregano, and garlic, and cook it on a preheated grill until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve with a refreshing cucumber feta salad for a delicious meal.
Grilling chicken is a summer favorite, but it can often be tricky to get the perfect juicy and tender chicken without any dry or undercooked spots. Fear not! With these simple tips, your Greek chicken with cucumber feta salad will be the star of your next barbecue.
Preheating The Grill
It is crucial to preheat the grill before cooking your chicken. This helps to ensure the chicken is seared to perfection, locking in all of those delicious juices. For gas grills, turn the burners to high and leave the lid closed for 10-15 minutes before cooking. For charcoal grills, make sure the coals are glowing red and covered with a thin layer of ash before putting on the chicken.
Oil The Grill Grates
To prevent chicken from sticking to the grill, make sure to oil the grates. Using a pair of tongs, dip a folded paper towel in a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil and rub it along the grates. Don’t use too much oil, as it can cause flare-ups and a smoky grill.
Let The Chicken Come To Room Temperature
Before cooking, let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook more evenly and reduces the risk of undercooked chicken. While the chicken is coming to room temperature, prepare the cucumber feta salad for a delicious accompaniment.
Monitor The Internal Temperature Of The Chicken
To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, you need to check the internal temperature with a thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure it’s not touching bone. For chicken, the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly juicy and flavorful grilled Greek chicken with cucumber feta salad. Enjoy!
Tips For Making A Perfect Cucumber Feta Salad
Greek Chicken with Cucumber Feta Salad is a classic Mediterranean dish that has gained popularity all over the world. The refreshing and tangy taste of the salad perfectly complements the succulent and flavorful chicken. However, to make the perfect salad, one needs to pay attention to certain details. Below are some tips for making a perfect cucumber feta salad.
Select Fresh And Crisp Vegetables
When making a salad, the freshness and crispness of the vegetables are crucial. Make sure to choose fresh cucumbers that are firm to touch and have a bright green color. Overripe or soft cucumbers will make the salad mushy and ruin its texture. Similarly, choose tomatoes that are bright red and firm, and avoid using wilted or mushy lettuce.
Chop The Vegetables Uniformly
Uniformity in size and shape of the chopped vegetables enhances the visual appeal of the salad, making it look more appetizing. Use a sharp knife to chop the cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes into small cubes.
Add Salt To The Cucumbers
Adding salt to the cucumbers before mixing them with the other vegetables enhances the flavor of the salad. Sprinkle salt over the cucumbers, let them sit for a few minutes, and then rinse them with cold water. This will remove the excess salt and make the cucumbers crispier.
Use High-quality Feta Cheese
Feta cheese adds creaminess and tanginess to the salad. Use high-quality feta cheese that is crumbly and has a tangy flavor. Avoid using processed cheese or substitutes.
Serve The Salad Chilled
The salad tastes best when served chilled. To keep it chilled, place it in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes before serving.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and visually stunning Greek Chicken with Cucumber Feta Salad that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
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Frequently Asked Questions Of Greek Chicken With Cucumber Feta Salad
What Is Greek Chicken?
Greek chicken is a marinated chicken dish flavored with garlic, lemon, and oregano.
How Do You Make Greek Chicken?
To make Greek chicken, marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of lemon, olive oil, garlic, and oregano before grilling or pan-searing.
What Is A Good Side Dish With Greek Chicken?
Cucumber feta salad is a perfect side dish to serve with Greek chicken. Other great options include grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, and tzatziki sauce.
What Is In A Cucumber Feta Salad?
Cucumber feta salad typically includes sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. It is dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster than chicken thighs.
How Long Should I Marinate The Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but ideally, marinate it overnight.
Is Greek Chicken Healthy?
Greek chicken is a healthy dish as it is high in protein and low in carbs. It also contains heart-healthy fats from the olive oil and is packed with flavorful herbs and spices.
Conclusion
Incorporating Greek flavors into your meals is a great way to add a burst of freshness and depth. The Greek Chicken with Cucumber Feta Salad is a prime example of this. This dish is not only healthy but also mouth-watering with the combination of tender chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano, along with a crispy and refreshing cucumber feta salad.
Give this recipe a try and make your taste buds sing with delight. Happy cooking!