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Chicken Breast with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce : Cool, Herby & Lightly Tangy

Chicken Breast with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce : Cool, Herby & Lightly Tangy


  • Author: OliviaBennett

Description

Juicy Pan-Seared Chicken with Cool Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

Tender, Flavorful, and Ready in 30 Minutes

Why You’ll Love It

Golden, perfectly seared chicken breasts paired with a cool, creamy cucumber yogurt sauce. Light but satisfying, protein-packed, and ready in half an hour—perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp paprika or oregano (optional)

For the Cucumber Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for richness)

  • ½ cup finely diced cucumber (pat dry)

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint

  • Salt, to taste


Instructions

1. Prep Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional paprika/oregano. Let sit 10–15 minutes at room temperature for even cooking.


2. Pan-Sear

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest 5 minutes.


3. Make Sauce

While chicken rests, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs in a bowl. Season with salt to taste. Chill briefly while chicken rests.


4. Slice & Serve

Slice chicken against the grain. Spoon cucumber yogurt sauce over the top. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.


Serving Suggestions

  • Low-carb: Serve over mixed greens or roasted vegetables

  • Hearty: Pair with quinoa, lemon-herb rice, or orzo

  • Fun: Serve with warm pita or naan for dipping


Flavor Twists

  • Mediterranean Mezze: Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon

  • Herb Garden: Add parsley, chives, or tarragon to the sauce

  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to chicken or jalapeño to sauce

  • Dairy-Free: Use thick coconut or almond yogurt

  • Everything Bagel Chicken: Press chicken into Everything Bagel seasoning before searing

Notes

  • Pat cucumbers dry to avoid watery sauce

  • Use an instant-read thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken

  • Let chicken rest to redistribute juices for maximum tenderness

  • Make the sauce ahead; flavors improve after a short chill