When it comes time for dinner, sometimes you know what you want in terms of the main dish but you aren’t sure how to dress it up or make it something “new”. Take chicken, for example.
Chicken pairs well with a lot of side dishes and can easily be the meal all on its own. It’s healthy, it’s filling, and it’s easily made using a lot of versatile ingredients. But it does get boring have plain chicken breast all the time with only the basic seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic (or onion) powder to add taste.
That is why today we are going to introduce an easy recipe to prepare and make Greek Chicken right in the comfort of your own home! And with any recipe, if you prefer a certain type of seasoning over another, then substitute it. The best part of making recipes at home is the option to create your own masterpieces and being able to play with ingredients to find the ones that best suit your taste buds.
Why Chicken?
Chicken is found in almost every restaurant in some shape or form, it’s on the menu at a lot of social functions and dinners, and it’s always an option when you have a business meal. You always have chicken in your freezer, it’s always a quick and easy meal, and you can use it in numerous recipes from salads to pasta dishes to wraps and Paninis, and more.
So with all that being said, are there any other health benefits to eating chicken? What is the reason that people watching what they eat or that are dieting tend to choose chicken over another meat product, for example beef? It’s because one of the leanest meats you can consume, outside of wild game and fish, would be chicken.
Chicken has one of the highest protein counts there can be when it comes to meat and this protein will keep you feeling full for a longer period of time. This prevents unwanted snacking between meals. Protein is one of the greatest aids when it comes to building lean muscle and helping muscle formation last.
It’s a lean meat with minimal fat and gristle. Even chicken breasts with the bones and skin still attached doesn’t have strips of fat running through it the same way pork or beef does.
Chicken also contains calcium and phosphorous which helps in the fight against brittle bones while strengthening the bones and muscles.
Ingredients you’ll need for greek chicken:
- 1 pound of boneless and skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice or balsamic vinegar – choice is the chefs but balsamic vinegar is preferred
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons dry oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 400° before preparing the ingredients. Preheating the oven ensures that the internal temperature is correct when you go to put the chicken in for baking. Trying to preheat and bake the chicken at the same time is how recipes are not evenly cooked and can be tough (or burned or raw) in some areas but not others.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl (you want to be able to comfortably fit the chicken breast in the bowl later in the recipe), add the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper.
Using a whisk, combine all these ingredients until they are blended together, and all spices look to be coated with olive oil. Don’t whisk too hard as you run the risk of a major mess or coating the whisk with your seasonings.
The finished product should be similar to the picture below with a frothy and flecked liquid.
Step 2: add chicken
Place all of the chicken breast in the bowl, turning it with the use of a fork (or your hands – just make sure you thoroughly wash them as you are handling raw chicken!). Keep turning the chicken breast until it is well-coated. Allow the chicken breast to marinate in the mixture for at least 30 minutes straight without removing it. You can marinate the chicken for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator, but 30 minutes is more than enough time to create an incredible flavour. The 12-hour option is for those who want to have their prep work done before the work day begins and will bake the chicken when they arrive home.
Step 3: Bake
Place chicken and leftover marinade in an oven-safe baking dish. Spray the dish with cooking or non-stick spray to prevent damaging or tearing up the chicken trying to remove it from the dish after the baking time is complete. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. This recipe can also be cooked using your grill or even in a frying pan! Remove from heat and serve!!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
I usually serve this chicken dish with couscous, hummus, or a whipped feta dip, olives, and pita bread for a full Greek feast. Always is a hit amongst family and friends with something for everyone! It’s a great, healthy meal perfect for families or gatherings.
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