Greek Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, providing a lean and tender meat option.

Olive oil: Used for marinating the chicken, adding a rich and fruity flavor.

Dried oregano: A staple in Greek cuisine, offering a slightly bitter and aromatic taste.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory and pungent flavor to the marinade.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the marinade.

Lemon juice: Provides a fresh and tangy flavor that brightens the dish.

Greek yogurt: Used to make the creamy dill sauce, adding a tangy and rich texture.

Fresh dill: Adds a fresh, slightly tangy flavor to the yogurt sauce.

When preparing the chicken breasts, make sure to marinate them for at least 15-20 minutes in the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice mixture. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken. Additionally, when mixing the greek yogurt and fresh dill, let the sauce sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor; use about 2-3 cloves minced.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami; use in moderation to avoid overpowering the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, making it a good alternative.

• lemon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it is slightly more tart.

• greek yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream has a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a suitable replacement.

• chopped fresh dill - Substitute with chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that complements the dish well.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Transfer the cooled chicken breasts to an airtight container. If you have multiple pieces, place a piece of parchment paper between each to prevent sticking.
• Store the dill yogurt sauce separately in a small airtight container. This keeps the sauce fresh and prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
• Place the containers in the refrigerator. The Greek chicken will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• For freezing, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain moisture and prevents freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped chicken breasts in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the chicken breasts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover the chicken to retain moisture.
• Serve with the dill yogurt sauce after reheating to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  5. Heat for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Slice the chicken breasts into smaller pieces for even heating.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a vacuum-sealed bag.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 45 minutes.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve immediately.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken breasts at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice, and to coat the chicken breasts with the mixture.

• Baking dish: Holds the chicken breasts while they bake in the oven.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Lemon squeezer: Helps to extract fresh lemon juice efficiently.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the Greek yogurt and fresh dill for the sauce.

• Spatula: Handy for mixing ingredients and ensuring the chicken breasts are well-coated.

• Knife: Needed for chopping the fresh dill.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the dill.

• Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature.

• Serving spoon: Useful for serving the dill yogurt sauce on top of the chicken.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the chicken breasts and marinate them the night before. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper and saves time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Instead of mincing garlic yourself, use pre-minced garlic to save prep time.

Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start preparing the ingredients so it's ready when you are.

Double the sauce: Make extra dill yogurt sauce and store it in the fridge for other meals.

Batch cooking: Cook extra chicken breasts and use them for salads or sandwiches throughout the week.