Seared Chicken with Greek Salad and Tzatziki

This recipe was inspired by a trip I took to Armenia. It was at the end of a time of service with a local church. The people were amazing and so heartfelt, and they loved big and were so hospitable with the little they had. When cooking, they used simple ingredients and produced incredible flavors! Even a simple meal in the mountains made of seared meat and veggies was delectable, and I’m excited to share my own version of this recipe with you today.

Ingredients:

8 chicken cutlets

red wine vinegar

olive oil

Mrs.Dash chicken seasoning

salt

pepper

1/2 lemon

Salad

1 Armenian cucumber, chopped

8 cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 small red onion, halved and sliced thinly

1 Tbsp feta cheese

Olives (optional)

Tzatziki Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 Tbsp fresh dill

1 clove garlic, chopped

Instructions:

1. Take the chicken and season it with Mrs.Dash chicken seasoning, salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a Ziplock/freezer bag, then pour 1/2 cup red wine vinegar and 1/4 cup of olive oil into the bag. Seal and refrigerate for two hours. (If you have the time, you can even marinate the chicken overnight, but it can also marinate for as little as 20 minutes.)

2. Take the cucumbers, tomatoes and red onion, and place them in a medium-size bowl. Sprinkle the feta cheese on to taste - two Tbsp should be a good amount, if you are uncertain. If you are using olives, those can also be added now. Dress with red wine vinegar, olive oil and some black pepper. (I use1/4 cup red wine vinegar and one Tbsp of olive oil, but do what you like!)

3. Make the tzatziki sauce! Take a cup of full-fat Greek yogurt and a tablespoon of fresh, chopped dill. Add one clove of chopped garlic, and mix together.

4. Heat a grill pan to medium-high heat. (If you can, I recommend cooking it on a gas or charcoal fire for a more authentic taste.) Add one Tbsp of olive oil and let it get hot on the pan. Once the oil is glistening, add the marinated chicken. Cook on each side 3-4 minutes and then flip. There should be a nice sear on the chicken. Cook all the way through. If it needs more time, flip again. Then, remove from heat and hit with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

5. Serve the chicken alongside the salad and tzatziki sauce. Mix it all together, if you like, and enjoy!