This Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad is perfect for a light meal! It combines tender chicken with creamy tzatziki sauce, refreshing cucumbers, and zesty herbs for a burst of flavor.
It’s great for lunch or dinner, and it’s super quick to make! I love piling it high on pita bread—so tasty, you might forget it’s actually healthy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute, just shred it before adding to the salad.
Greek Yogurt: I prefer full-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess. If you want a lighter option, you can use low-fat yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Cucumber: English cucumbers work well as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. If they’re not available, regular cucumbers work too—just peel them if you prefer.
Dill: Fresh dill adds a nice flavor, but if you don’t have it, dried dill can be substituted. Just use a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Pita Bread: Whole wheat pita adds fiber. You can also use regular pita, or for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free wraps.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking chicken can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Follow these simple steps to ensure your chicken turns out juicy and flavorful:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet before adding the chicken. This prevents sticking and helps with browning.
- Cook on medium heat, ensuring it’s not too high, as that can dry out the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding. This helps retain moisture.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken for your salad every time!
Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 4 whole wheat pita breads
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tzatziki Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to cook the chicken, making it perfect for a quick meal. If you choose to chill it for 30 minutes before serving, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Shred the Chicken:
After the chicken has cooled slightly, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to mix into the salad.
3. Make the Tzatziki Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, finely diced cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Stir everything together until well blended.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the shredded chicken and the finely chopped red onion to the yogurt mixture. Gently toss everything together so that the chicken is coated with the tzatziki sauce.
5. Assemble the Pitas:
Take the whole wheat pita breads and slice them in half to create pockets. Place slices of tomato inside each pita half, then spoon in a generous amount of the tzatziki chicken salad.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad pitas are now ready! You can serve them immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for a refreshing cold dish. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Tzatziki Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and mix it into the tzatziki sauce without needing to cook it again. It’s a great way to save time!
How Do I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make the salad dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Coconut or almond-based yogurts can work well, just check the flavor for a good match!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tzatziki chicken salad up to a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the pitas just before serving for the best texture.
What Else Can I Add to the Salad?
Feel free to customize your salad! Chopped bell peppers, olives, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese can add a nice twist to the flavor. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite ingredients!
