Yogurt-Marinated, Greek-Inspired Grilled Chicken

Two things I am smiling about right now:  the primaveral sweetness in the air that lingers on green buds and renewed earth; and, the fact that hubby and I completed our first day-long Childbirth Prep class today and still wanted to spend time with each other while out on a dinner date tonight.

This meal is balanced, bright, and beautiful.  It is clean and healthy, also, which is, of course, a plus for a pregnant mama-to-be.  By marinating the chicken in plain Greek yogurt, it becomes moist and full of flavor.  The simple salad topper of tomatoes, feta, cucumber, lemon, and mint is outstanding.  

Perfect for the season of renewal, this meal will be made multiple times throughout the Spring and Summer in our kitchen.  Enjoy.

Yogurt-Marinated, Greek-Inspired Grilled Chicken
Source: my own

Ingredients (serves 4):
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
juice of 1 lemon (for chicken), juice of 1/2 lemon (for salad)
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cucumber, sliced lengthwise and then diced
1/2 container cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup (plus a little) feta cheese crumbles
3 or 4 fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
S & P 

The Process:
Marinate the chicken in a large plastic bag with the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, red pepper flakes, and S & P for about 30-45 minutes in the refrigerator.  (You may want to mix the marinade in a separate bowl with a spoon to make sure all the flavors are joined before adding it to the chicken). 

Turn on the outdoor grill.  Get a beer (hubby is drinking one for me these days, as well)!  Assemble the salad by simply adding the cucumber, tomatoes, feta, mint, S & P, and juice of 1/2 lemon to a bowl and tossing lightly to incorporate the flavors.  

When the grill is ready, take the chicken out of the bag and wipe off most of the yogurt mixture.  If you leave too much on there, it will stick to the grill (I know this from experience).  

Grill the chicken, bring it inside, and top each piece with a couple hearty spoonfuls of the fresh, flavorful Greek-inspired salad.  

Bon Appetit!