Elevate your mealtime with Mediterranean Diet Chicken Iskender, a wholesome and flavorful twist on the classic Turkish dish. Perfect for your heart-healthy eating plan, this recipe combines tender, marinated grilled chicken with warming spices like cumin and paprika, served atop whole grain pita bread for added fiber. A creamy Greek yogurt sauce and a buttery tomato sauce infused with crushed red pepper bring layers of richness and acidity, creating a perfectly balanced bite. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish not only pleases the palate but also offers a visually stunning presentation. Ready in just under an hour, this nutrient-packed meal is ideal for dinner parties, special occasions, or a satisfying midweek indulgence.
Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, preferably 2 hours for better flavor.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the yogurt sauce. Combine Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 minced garlic clove in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and have nice grill marks.
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the tomato sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through. Set aside.
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
To assemble, warm whole grain pita breads in the oven or on a pan, then cut them into quarters.
Place the pita pieces on a serving platter, arrange the sliced chicken over the bread, then drizzle with the yogurt sauce.
Pour the warm tomato sauce over the chicken and pita and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve immediately to enjoy the Mediterranean Diet Chicken Iskender at its best.
Calories |
2700 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 104.3 g | 134% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.7 g | 144% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 665 mg | 222% | |
| Sodium | 4788 mg | 208% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 167.0 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.3 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.8 g | ||
| Protein | 260.0 g | 520% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 512 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 17.8 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 2778 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.