Get ready to elevate your dinner table with the scrumptious flavors of Ranch Chicken Tzatziki with Garlic Parmesan Zucchini. This dish beautifully combines juicy, marinated chicken with zesty tzatziki, while crispy zucchini adds a deliciously cheesy touch. It’s a meal that delivers bold flavors and refreshing zest in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: Juicy chicken seasoned to perfection paired with cool tzatziki.
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this dish comes together in no time.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Incorporates wholesome ingredients like zucchini for a balanced meal.
- Versatile & Customizable: Perfect for any occasion and adaptable to various tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this Ranch Chicken Tzatziki with Garlic Parmesan Zucchini both approachable and delightful. Each component plays a crucial role in making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
- Chicken Breasts: Use bite-size chunks for even cooking and juicy results.
- Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy and refreshing element that enhances the chicken’s flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a crispy and savory topping for the zucchini.
Variations
This recipe is perfect for customization based on your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative!
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken for a fiery kick.
- Veggie Delight: Swap out chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
How to Make Ranch Chicken Tzatziki with Garlic Parmesan Zucchini
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by mixing parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss the chicken chunks in this aromatic blend along with olive oil, buttermilk, and salsa verde for a flavorful marination.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Slice the zucchini into long strips and coat them evenly in olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, parmesan, chili flakes, salt, and pepper for a delicious garlicky taste with a hint of heat.
Step 3: Grill Everything
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill them until charred and fully cooked. Simultaneously, grill the zucchini on both sides, letting it achieve a tempting golden shade.
Pro Tips for Making Ranch Chicken Tzatziki with Garlic Parmesan Zucchini
- Marination Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Grill Marks: Preheat your grill well to achieve those wonderful sear marks on the chicken and zucchini.
- Tzatziki Charm: Serve chilled tzatziki for a refreshing contrast against the warm chicken and zucchini.
- Parmesan Perfection: Opt for freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor results.
How to Serve Ranch Chicken Tzatziki with Garlic Parmesan Zucchini
Garnishes
Enhance your dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or basil for a vibrant touch. A dash of lemon juice right before serving can amplify the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs delightfully with a simple green salad or fluffy couscous. If you’re looking for something heartier, roasted potatoes make an excellent companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the skewers in a fan shape on a large platter with the tzatziki artfully drizzled between. Add colorful edible flowers for a beautiful and inviting presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Make sure the chicken and zucchini are cooled before storing to retain their texture.
Freezing
For longer preservation, freeze the chicken separately from the zucchini for up to three months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken and zucchini on a baking tray. Heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes, ensuring to cover with foil to prevent drying.
FAQs
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Can I use other meats besides chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with turkey or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
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Is it necessary to use buttermilk in the marinade?
Buttermilk provides a tender and slightly tangy flavor to the chicken, but you can substitute with yogurt if preferred.
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Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes, simply use a dairy-free tzatziki alternative and skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
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What other vegetables can I grill with the zucchini?
Grilled bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus would complement this dish perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you try this delightful Ranch Chicken Tzatziki with Garlic Parmesan Zucchini soon. It’s a feast for the senses that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy cooking!
Print
Ranch Chicken Tzatziki with Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Grilled Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Ranch Chicken Tzatziki complemented by garlic parmesan zucchini, perfect for a grilled summer meal. This recipe combines juicy chicken chunks seasoned with herbs, served with tangy tzatziki sauce, and zucchini slices infused with garlic and parmesan for a savory side.
Ingredients
Ranch Chicken
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup salsa verde
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 cups Tzatziki sauce, for serving
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Parmesan Zucchini
- 3 zucchini or yellow summer squash
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning and Chicken: In a bowl, mix the dried parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove a couple of teaspoons of the seasoning for later. Add the chicken chunks, olive oil, buttermilk, and salsa verde to the remaining seasoning and toss to coat. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prep the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini into 2-3 long strips. In a dish, toss the zucchini with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped garlic, grated parmesan, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Thread the Chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken chunks onto skewers. Rub the remaining seasoning and olive oil onto the chicken for extra flavor.
- Cook on Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are lightly charred and cooked through. Simultaneously, grill the zucchini slices for 3-4 minutes per side, reserving any leftover oil from the dish for brushing or serving.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken skewers with a side of Tzatziki sauce and the zucchini slices topped with garlic parmesan. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with pork or beef for variation.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for an even richer flavor.
- Adjust the chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Leftover zucchini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewered chicken with zucchini
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
