Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Tzatziki Chicken is a fresh and zesty dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with the creamy tang of tzatziki sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Pair it with a fresh salad, pita bread, or rice for a delicious, balanced meal.
What is Jamie Oliver Lemon Tzatziki Chicken?
This dish features chicken marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled or pan-seared to perfection. It’s served with a homemade tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and fresh herbs, creating a refreshing and flavorful combination.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Kebab
- Jamie Oliver Mushroom Pearl Barley Risotto
- Jamie Oliver Microwave Chili Con Carne
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: A perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Nutritious: High in protein and low in fat.
- Versatile: Serve it with salads, wraps, or rice.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Lemon Tzatziki Chicken
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs (500g): Skinless and boneless.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Adds tanginess.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For aromatic depth.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps the chicken stay juicy.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Adds a Mediterranean touch.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- Greek Yogurt (200g): Creamy base for the sauce.
- Cucumber (1, grated): Adds freshness.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): For flavor.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Enhances the tangy taste.
- Fresh Dill or Mint (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds herbaceous notes.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley or dill
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill
- Grater
- Tongs
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Lemon Tzatziki Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, mix lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the tzatziki sauce
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill or mint. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix well and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Step 4: Serve
Serve the chicken hot with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on top or on the side. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Lemon Tzatziki Chicken
- Pita Bread: Perfect for scooping up the tzatziki sauce.
- Greek Salad: A fresh and tangy side.
- Rice Pilaf: A hearty accompaniment.
- Grilled Vegetables: Adds extra smokiness.
- Couscous: A light and fluffy option.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Lemon Tzatziki Chicken
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Squeeze the Cucumber: Removing excess moisture from the cucumber keeps the tzatziki thick and creamy.
- Cook Over Medium-High Heat: Ensures a golden crust without overcooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill or mint enhances the authentic flavor of tzatziki.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the tzatziki and adjust lemon juice, salt, or herbs to your liking.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Lemon Tzatziki Chicken
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the marinade.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi or roasted eggplant.
- Herb Mix: Swap oregano with thyme or rosemary for a different flavor.
- Citrusy Twist: Add orange zest to the marinade for a unique taste.
- Pita Wraps: Slice the cooked chicken and serve in pita bread with tzatziki and salad.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Lemon Tzatziki Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the marinated raw chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
- Reheat: Warm the chicken gently in a skillet or oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I make lemon tzatziki chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
How do I prevent tzatziki sauce from becoming watery?
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it with the yogurt. This ensures a thick and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe and tend to stay juicier during cooking. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
What can I use as a substitute for Greek yogurt in tzatziki?
You can use dairy-free yogurt or plain regular yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt. Strain regular yogurt to achieve a thicker consistency.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Tzatziki Chicken is a refreshing, healthy, and versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Try it today and enjoy a taste of summer on your plate!
Print
Jamie Oliver Lemon Tzatziki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or pan-searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This dish features chicken marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled or pan-seared to perfection. It’s served with a homemade tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and fresh herbs, creating a refreshing and flavorful combination.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs (500g): Skinless and boneless.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Adds tanginess.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For aromatic depth.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps the chicken stay juicy.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Adds a Mediterranean touch.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- Greek Yogurt (200g): Creamy base for the sauce.
- Cucumber (1, grated): Adds freshness.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): For flavor.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Enhances the tangy taste.
- Fresh Dill or Mint (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds herbaceous notes.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley or dill
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, mix lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the tzatziki sauce
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill or mint. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix well and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Step 4: Serve
Serve the chicken hot with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on top or on the side. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
