Classic Grilled Greek Chicken with Homemade Tzatziki

Classic Grilled Greek Chicken with Homemade Tzatziki ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 English cucumber
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, full-fat
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• pinch black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 lemon wedges

How to make Classic Grilled Greek Chicken with Homemade Tzatziki

1. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk well to combine all ingredients.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:** Add the 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch thick pieces or kept whole) to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably 4 hours, and up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
3. **Prepare Tzatziki - Cucumber:** Grate 1/2 an English cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve or a clean kitchen towel and press firmly to squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This prevents a watery tzatziki.
4. **Prepare Tzatziki - Mix:** In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
5. **Chill Tzatziki:** Cover the tzatziki and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and chill, making it more refreshing.
6. **Preheat Grill:** About 15-20 minutes before cooking, preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
7. **Prepare Chicken for Grilling:** Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
8. **Grill the Chicken:** Place the chicken pieces on the preheated grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side for thicker pieces, or 3-5 minutes per side for thinner pieces, rotating once, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by a meat thermometer. The chicken should have nice grill marks.
9. **Rest the Chicken:** Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean cutting board or plate and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
10. **Serve:** Slice the chicken if desired. Serve the Classic Grilled Greek Chicken immediately with generous dollops of the homemade Tzatziki, garnished with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for squeezing.

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