If you’re craving a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and nourishing all at once, these Spiced Chicken Strips with Fresh Salad & Yogurt Sauce are the perfect choice. Unlike heavy fried chicken, this recipe uses lean chicken breast, aromatic spices, and a refreshing yogurt sauce to create a balanced meal that works just as well for a quick weeknight dinner as it does for weekend gatherings.
This recipe is:
- High in protein
- Rich in probiotics and fiber
- Customizable with vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-carb variations
Whether you serve it in a salad bowl, wrap it in warm pita bread, or pair it with rice, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
🍗 Ingredients
For the Spiced Chicken Strips:
- 500g skinless, boneless chicken breast (cut into strips)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Fresh Salad:
- 1 cucumber (sliced)
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup mixed lettuce leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh mint or dill (chopped)
- Pinch of salt & pepper
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Method
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, spices, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken strips, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken strips for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Salad
- In a bowl, toss cucumber, onion, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Make the Yogurt Sauce
- Mix yogurt, garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Keep chilled until serving.
5. Assemble & Serve
- Plate the fresh salad, top with spiced chicken strips, and drizzle with yogurt sauce.
- Serve immediately.
🍴 Chef’s Tips & Variations
- Air Fryer Method: Cook chicken strips at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes.
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or paneer.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve without bread/rice, as a salad bowl.
- Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the marinade.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives and feta cheese to the salad.
🥦 Health & Nutrition Benefits
- Chicken Breast: Lean protein, supports muscle repair and satiety.
- Spices: Turmeric and cumin have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
- Greek Yogurt: Rich in probiotics, calcium, and protein.
- Fresh Salad: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber for digestion.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
(Values may vary based on portion size and substitutions.)
🥗 Serving Suggestions
- Wrap in pita bread with lettuce for a street-food style wrap.
- Serve over fluffy rice or couscous for a Mediterranean-style bowl.
- Pair with mint lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing combination.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat chicken gently in a pan or oven — avoid microwaving to prevent dryness.
- Yogurt sauce keeps for 2 days refrigerated.
- Chicken strips can be frozen (pre-cooked) for up to 2 months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and add richer flavor.
Q: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
Use plain natural yogurt; just strain it through a cheesecloth for thickness.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — swap yogurt with coconut yogurt or tahini sauce.
Q: How do I make it kid-friendly?
Skip chili flakes and serve with mild spices.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- This recipe is healthy, quick, and versatile.
- Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or party platters.
- Customizable with different spices, proteins, and serving styles.
✅ Final Words
These Spiced Chicken Strips with Fresh Salad & Yogurt Sauce are a complete, nutrient-packed meal that balances flavor and health. Whether you’re on a fitness journey, cooking for your family, or simply looking for a new dinner idea, this recipe is your go-to choice.
👉 If you try this dish, leave a comment below and let me know your favorite variation. Don’t forget to share your plate with friends and family — because good food tastes even better when shared!
