1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them cook more evenly and get a nice sear. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor if you like.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on one side until it develops a golden brown crust. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes on the other side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also cook the chicken on the grill for a smoky flavor.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet or grill and set it aside to rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, making it extra tender and juicy.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Start by grating or finely chopping the cucumber. Place the grated cucumber into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is important because it prevents the sauce from becoming watery.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Mix everything together until well combined. Season the tzatziki sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice depending on your personal preference. If you prefer a more tangy sauce, add more lemon juice. For a richer flavor, you can add a little more olive oil.

Once the sauce is ready, cover it and refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the salad. The tzatziki can be made up to a day in advance, which makes this recipe perfect for meal prep.

3. Assemble the Salad

Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to mix with the salad and ensures each bite is packed with flavor.

In a large salad bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives (if using). Toss the vegetables together to combine. These fresh, crisp ingredients will complement the rich and creamy tzatziki sauce beautifully.

Add the sliced chicken to the bowl and toss again to distribute the chicken throughout the salad.

4. Add the Tzatziki Sauce

Drizzle the prepared tzatziki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Gently toss the salad to ensure that everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. The tzatziki adds a fresh, tangy flavor that ties the salad together perfectly.

If desired, sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor and a burst of color. The feta cheese adds a salty, creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the cucumber and tzatziki.

5. Serve the Salad

Serve the Tzatziki Chicken Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors marinate together. This salad is great as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or it can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or pita bread.