The Burger Alternative Greek

Stumbled upon this idea at work when a new place opened up called 'Hash' on N. Western in Chicago, IL right around the corner from our office.  Simple, different, tasty menu, including a variation of this one.  So, I figured why not?  We have the building blocks from previous blogs.  Time to practice some of those skills.  The Burger Alternative--Greek Chicken Sandwich.  It's better for you, less fat, big taste, and fun to make with a bunch of friends around the table.  Who doesn't like a 'make-it-yourself' meal?

Remember the Bandilicious Chicken Marinade. You will simply add fresh or dried oregano to the base marinade, and use thinner chicken breasts for quicker cooking.  This will be a cinch if you get the chicken marinating before you head to class.  Pick up the condiments on your way home.  Make the quick mayo-tzatziki spread.  Call your friends.  Sear the chicken. Put it all out on the table.

Skill Level:  Freshman Level, but several steps and planning involved.  Must be able to organize thoughts and actions.

Cost:  $15 / 4-6 servings

Equipment:

Non-stick skillet

Meat Mallet / Tenderizer, if pounding chicken

Marinating dish or tupperware (large enough to hold all chicken breasts)

Ingredients:

3-4 large chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4" thickness and marinating

2 Tbls fresh oregano, chopped

Tzatziki-Mayo:

1 cup Greek Plain Yoghurt

2 Tbls mayonnaise

1/3 cup shredded cucumber

Salt and pepper

1 tsp Lemon juice

Condiments:

Feta Cheese, crumbled

Red Onion, thinly sliced

Cucumber, thinly sliced

Tomato, thinly sliced

Lettuce

Capers, optional

Vinagrette, optional

Sesame Buns, toasted with butter

Instructions:

Step A:  Make The Marinade & Pound The Chicken

--review blog Bandilicious Chicken Marinade

--add 2 Tbls of fresh oregano to marinade (or 2 tsp dried oregano)

--pound chicken to 1/4" thickness or slice large chicken breasts CAREFULLY in half lengthwise

--marinate for several hours

--let meat come to room temperature and pat dry before searing or grilling

Step B:  Make Tzatziki Mayo

--combine greek yoghurt, mayo, and cucumbers

--set aside

Step C:  Prep Condiments and Set The Table

--Slice and  plate all of the veggies

--toast and butter the buns

Step D:  Sear The Chicken

--if grilling or using a non-stick skillet, make sure the pan is 'HOT' with a little oil

--sear 1/4" chicken breasts 3-4 minutes on each side.

--leave the chicken alone while you are searing.  It should release from the skillet easily if properly seared.

Step E:  Assemble everything. Make good conversation.  Listen well.

--repeat again next week.