Greek Chicken with Cucumber Sauce

I love Greek food.  There's nothing better than fresh ingredients stuffed inside a pita, dripping with a tangy, yogurt dressing.  This version is sort of a de-constructed pita.  The chicken is grilled, and topped with the refreshing cucumber sauce.  I served it along side some fresh tomatoes, sliced red onion, and some pita wedges.  Of course you could just stuff everything in that pita pocket if you wanted to.  This preparation just looks slightly more elegant, making it perfect for company!

It's like a de-constructed pita!

The Line-Up for the chicken

Combine ingredients and pour over chicken.
Allow to marinate.

The cucumber sauce ingredients...

Combine grated cucumber with salt.
Let sit for 15 minutes.

Combine remaining sauce ingredients
and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Remove chicken from marinade.
Allow to cool slightly. 

Serve topped with cucumber sauce.

Greek Chicken with Cucumber Sauce
For Sauce:

1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and grated
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plain or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped, fresh parsley
2 teaspoons dried mint
2 cloves garlic, minced

In a strainer, mix the grated cucumber with salt and set aside for at least 15 minutes.  Squeeze any extra liquid from the cucumber.  Blend with remaining sauce ingredients and refrigerate until needed.

For Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced

Combine ingredients and pour over chicken breasts.  Cover and marinate in refrigerator up to 24 hours.  Remove chicken from marinade and grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until done.  Allow to rest 5 minutes.  Slice and serve topped with cucumber sauce.

Prep Time:  Approximately 30 minutes + marinating     Cook Time:  Approximately 20 minutes