Traditional Greek cuisine is known for its flavorful and healthy dishes that showcase the vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
One such dish is Dakos, a simple yet delicious salad that combines the goodness of tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese with the satisfying crunch of bread. In this recipe, we add a twist to the classic Dakos by serving it with succulent grilled chicken and a refreshing tzatziki sauce. Let’s dive into the delightful flavors of this Greek-inspired dish!.
Ingredients:
For the Dakos:.
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- A handful of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 200g feta cheese, crumbled
- 4-6 slices of crusty bread
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Grilled Chicken:.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki:.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dakos:
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
1.1. Place the slices of crusty bread on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil.
1.2. Toast the bread in the oven until crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
1.3. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced cucumber, and halved Kalamata olives.
1.4. Add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl and gently toss all the ingredients together.
1.5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Grilling the Chicken:
2.1. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
2.2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each breast is coated evenly.
2.3. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator for more intense flavors.
2.4. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
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2.5. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
2.6. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Making the Tzatziki:
3.1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3.2. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
3.3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Assembling the Dish:
4.1. Once the bread slices have cooled, rub each one with a halved garlic clove for an added burst of flavor.
4.2. Place a generous spoonful of the Dakos mixture on top of each bread slice, spreading it evenly.
4.3. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top of the Dakos mixture.
4.4. Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the grilled chicken.
4.5. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill, if desired.
4.6. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors!.
Conclusion:
Dakos with grilled chicken and tzatziki is a delightful Greek-inspired dish that combines the freshness of Dakos salad with the heartiness of grilled chicken.
The juicy tomatoes, crunchy bread, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives in the Dakos provide a burst of flavors in every bite. The grilled chicken adds a protein-packed element to the dish while lending a smoky charred flavor. Topped with the cool and creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish truly comes to life.
Whether you’re hosting a Greek-themed dinner party or simply looking for a healthy and delicious meal, Dakos with grilled chicken and tzatziki should definitely be on your recipe repertoire!.
