Zesty Greek Chicken With Mint Recipes

ZESTY GREEK CHICKEN WITH MINT

Steps:

• Combine mint, lemon peel, 2 tsp of the lemon juice, olive oil, 1/4 tsp of the salt, and 1/8 tsp of the pepper in a bowl and set aside.
• Bring 4 cups salted water to a boil.
• Prepare tzatziki sauce by peeling and grating half of the cucumber. Cut the remaining half into bite sized pieces and set aside. Squeeze the grated cucumber to remove excess water. Combine the grated cucumber, yogurt, remaining 2 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp of the garlic and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl and set aside.
• Halve any large chicken tenders and combine them in a bowl with the cornstarch, 1 Tbsp of the dry sherry, remaining 2 tsp garlic, remaining 1/2 tsp salt and remaining 1/8 tsp pepper. Stir until the cornstarch is no longer visible. Stir in 1 Tbsp of the vegetable oil and set aside.
• Heat a 12 inch stainless steel skillet over high heat until a bead of water evaporates within 2 seconds. Add the orzo and cook, stirring constantly for 1 - 2 minutes to toast it. Transfer the orzo to the boiling water and cook for 9 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil to the pan. Add the chicken, spreading evenly in a single layer. Cook, undisturbed for 1 minutes until the chicken begins to sear. Stir-fry 1 minute or until chicken is just opaque. Swirl in the remaining 2 Tbsp dry sherry and stir-fry another 1 - 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Add the tomato quarters and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cooked orzo and cucumber pieces.
• Drizzle the chicken and orzo with the mint mixture. Serve with tzatziki sauce.

GRILLED GREEK CHICKEN KEBABS WITH MINT-FETA SAUCE

Steps:

• In a resealable plastic bag, combine chicken, zucchini, onion, olive oil, oregano, and 2 tablespoons vinegar; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Marinate at room temperature 30 minutes (or refrigerate up to overnight; place bag on a plate, in case of leaks).
• Heat grill to medium (see page 367 for instructions); lightly oil grates. (Alternatively, heat a grill pan over medium-high.) Onto each skewer, thread 3 pieces of chicken with zucchini and onion. Grill skewers, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender, 12 to 14 minutes.
• To make sauce, blend feta, yogurt, mint, and remaining tablespoon vinegar in a food processor until smooth. Serve kebabs with dipping sauce and garnish with mint leaves if desired.

GRILLED GREEK CHICKEN

Steps:

• Whisk garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar together in a large bowl.
• Make 2 slashes on the skin side down to the bone in the thigh section and 1 in the leg section of each leg quarter. This will help infuse pieces with marinade and allow faster cooking on the grill. Season both sides of chicken generously with kosher salt. Transfer to bowl with marinade and thoroughly coat all sides. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 4 to 12 hours.
• Transfer chicken to paper-towel-lined sheet pan to drain slightly.
• Place leg quarters on grill skin side down over semi-direct heat (avoid intense direct heat so chicken cooks evenly and skin doesn't burn). Cook 6 or 7 minutes. Turn chicken and cook another 6 to 7 minutes. Continue cooking and turning until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), 8 to 10 more minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.