Taziki’s Chicken Recipe – Mediterranean Flavors at Home

Did you know that Mediterranean cuisine, known for its health benefits, can be easily replicated in your own kitchen? Taziki’s Chicken Recipe is a perfect introduction to those vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. With the right blend of spices and a revitalizing tzatziki sauce, this dish offers versatility that adapts to various serving styles. But what if you could customize it even further to suit your taste preferences? Let’s investigate how to bring this delightful recipe to life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loving this Taziki’s chicken recipe comes easily when you discover its numerous benefits. First, you’ll appreciate the high protein content. The chicken marinated in Greek yogurt nearly doubles the protein, while the tzatziki sauce adds even more. This combination makes it perfect for those looking to support muscle health and feel full longer.

Next, the ease of preparation is a key highlight. You’ll find that marinating and cooking the chicken involves simple steps. If you’re short on time, you can always grab store-bought tzatziki. Additionally, this dish features a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that delights the palate.

Plus, this meal is friendly for meal prep, letting you prepare components ahead of time, with the chicken cooking in just 20-22 minutes.

Customization is another reason to love this recipe. You can adjust toppings and serve it in various formats, whether as bowls, wraps, or salads. This flexibility means you can investigate different Mediterranean flavors using various types of chicken or cooking methods.

Lastly, don’t overlook the health benefits. Fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes make this dish nutritious. Using lean cuts of chicken and Greek yogurt, filled with probiotics, helps you enjoy a balanced meal that’s good for you.

History

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café has a rich history that began with inspiration from a 1997 vacation in Greece, leading founders Keith and Amy Richards to establish the first location in 1998 at the Cahaba Mall Shopping Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

The couple wanted to bring Greek cuisine to the American dining scene. With Keith’s ten years of experience at Bottega Café, they created a menu featuring fresh, healthy ingredients with quick, casual service.

Over time, Taziki’s expanded beyond its initial Birmingham location. A partnership formed with Michael Bodner and Nick Pihakis in 2008, fueling rapid growth into a chain. The first franchise opened in Little Rock, Arkansas, with Jim Keet at the helm.

By 2014, there were 32 company-owned locations, with the numbers climbing to 77 in 16 states by August 2017. Additionally, as of November 2017, Taziki’s had over 90 locations established across the United States, further solidifying its presence in the casual dining market.

Despite some challenges, like a Fair Labor Standards Act violation in 2017, Taziki’s remained resilient. Leadership changes and commitments to community philanthropy demonstrated their focus on customer service and healthy dining alternatives, setting the stage for continued growth and a beloved spot for Mediterranean flavors.

Recipe

Tzatziki’s Chicken Recipe

This delicious Tzatziki’s Chicken recipe is perfect for a flavorful and healthy meal. The chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon and oregano mixture, ensuring that every bite is juicy and packed with flavor. Grilling, oven roasting, or pan frying are all great cooking techniques that allow the marinade to penetrate the chicken, enhancing its taste. For a delightful twist, consider topping your dish with loaded chicken tzatziki bowls, which provide an array of fresh ingredients and sauces that elevate the entire experience.

You’ll find that serving this dish with a homemade tzatziki sauce adds a revitalizing touch, making it an ideal option for warm weather gatherings. To complement the chicken, we suggest serving it with fresh toppings like parsley, tomatoes, and red onions, either in a wrap or a bowl. The addition of a side salad will boost your meal, making it a vibrant and satisfying choice.

Whether you choose to enjoy it in a warm pita or as part of a hearty salad, this Tzatziki’s Chicken is a versatile recipe that caters to all tastes.

Ingredients:
– 4 chicken breasts or thighs
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Fresh parsley (for serving)
– Chopped tomatoes (for serving)
– Sliced red onion (for serving)
– Wraps or pita bread (for serving)

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or tongs to evenly coat the chicken breasts or thighs with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours for best results.

2. Choose your cooking method. For grilling, preheat your grill to high heat, then grill the marinated chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. For oven roasting, preheat the oven to 425°F and bake the chicken for 15 minutes, followed by broiling for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a nice char. For pan frying, heat a heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.

3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber, squeeze out the excess water, and mix it with plain Greek yogurt, vinegar, minced garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

4. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. Assemble your meal by topping the sliced chicken with tzatziki sauce and garnishing with parsley, tomatoes, and red onion. Serve in wraps with additional toppings or in bowls over lettuce, cucumber, avocado, and feta cheese.

Extra Tips:

For juicier chicken, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer.

You can also investigate variations in the tzatziki sauce by adding mint or adjusting the garlic to suit your taste. Finally, if you have any leftover marinade, use it as a dressing for your side salad for added flavor. Enjoy your Tzatziki’s Chicken!

Final Thoughts

After savoring this vibrant Tzatziki’s Chicken recipe, you can appreciate how easy it’s to incorporate fresh, Mediterranean flavors into your meals.

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is dedicated to using real, healthy ingredients. Their focus on fresh, handcrafted foods reflects the best of Greek cuisine. By opting for vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, you’re not just enjoying delicious flavors. You’re also making a healthier choice. With over 90 locations established by November 2017, Taziki’s has expanded its reach while maintaining its commitment to quality.

What’s more, Taziki’s supports local and organic ingredients. Their commitment extends to sustainability practices, such as using quality lamb for their Gyros. You can feel good about the food you’re eating while supporting a restaurant that cares for the community.

With initiatives like Project Hope, Taziki’s promotes charitable efforts and cultivates community involvement.

Furthermore, their customer experience is integral to their success. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at one of their locations, ordering takeout, or using their catering services, you’ll find fast and accurate service.

By choosing Taziki’s, you’re not just treating yourself to great food; you’re also being part of a community that values real, wholesome food and local connections.

FAQ

If you have questions about preparing Tzatziki’s Chicken, you’re not alone! Many people wonder how to get the tzatziki sauce just right. Start by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, and mint in a bowl.

Don’t forget to squeeze out the excess juice from the cucumber to keep the sauce thick. Refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to serve.

Next, let’s talk about the chicken marinade. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The marinade includes oregano and lemon juice to enhance the Mediterranean flavors of the chicken.

Place your chicken in a ziplock bag, add the marinade, and massage it into the meat. This helps guarantee every bite is flavorful. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, but up to 2 hours for the best results.

For cooking, you can bake, grill, or pan-fry the chicken. Regardless of the method, make certain it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serve the chicken with a generous dollop of tzatziki, fresh veggies, and optional toppings like feta cheese or pita bread for a complete meal. Enjoy your cooking experience!