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Creamy Tzatziki Chicken Salad Recipe: Easy Weeknight Dinner

creamy tzatziki chicken salad - featured image

This creamy tzatziki chicken salad is a quick, easy weeknight dinner made with leftover rotisserie chicken, Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill. It’s a light yet satisfying twist on traditional chicken salad, perfect for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced (English cucumber preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped red onion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, remove skin and bones, then shred meat with two forks or your hands to get about 2 cups. If using leftover cooked chicken, dice into small bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Salt the cucumber (optional but recommended): Dice cucumber into small cubes (about 1/4 inch). Place in a small bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  3. Make the tzatziki dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper).
  4. Combine everything: Add shredded chicken and diced cucumber to the bowl with the dressing. If using feta cheese or red onion, add them now. Stir gently until everything is well coated, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Taste and adjust: Take a small bite and check seasoning. Add more salt, lemon juice, or dill as needed.
  6. Chill (optional but recommended): Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Can be served immediately if desired.
  7. Serve: Spoon onto your chosen base—pita, greens, bread, or straight from the bowl. Garnish with fresh dill or cucumber slices if desired.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess. Fresh dill is preferred over dried. Salting the cucumber helps prevent a watery salad. If making ahead for meal prep, add cucumber just before serving to maintain crunch. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

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