Chicken Mediterranean Mezze Platter with Grilling Cheese, Tomato Cucumber Salad, Couscous and Pita Chips

Chicken Mediterranean Mezze Platter with Grilling Cheese, Tomato Cucumber Salad,  Couscous and Pita Chips

Enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Mezze Platter—this platter takes a bit of time to prepare, but it's well worth the extra effort. Perfect for sharing with family or friends, this colorful assortment includes seasoned chicken cutlets, savory grilling cheese, crunchy pita chips, refreshing tomato-cucumber salad, zesty couscous, and creamy homemade tzatziki. Bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with ease and elegance!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 chicken cutlets

• 8 oz grilling cheese (halloumi or similar)

• 2 cucumbers

• 2 Roma tomatoes

• 1 bunch fresh dill

• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced (use minced garlic if in a hurry)

• 1 cup Israeli couscous

• 4 pita breads

• 2 tbsp Dr. C's Tuscan Heat Dust

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• 4 tbsp butter

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation (Approx. 60 minutes)

1. Peel cucumbers. Grate one-third into a bowl and squeeze out as much water as possible; dice the remainder.

2. Dice the tomatoes.

3. Chop dill.

4. Mince garlic cloves (use pre-minced garlic if in a hurry).

5. Zest lemon, then cut lemon in half.

Steps

1. Marinate chicken with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Dr. C's Tuscan Heat Dust, half the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside for at least 20 minutes.

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Brown chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake on the second rack for approximately 10 minutes, until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

1. Slice grilling cheese into 8 pieces and season lightly with salt, pepper, and remaining Dr. C's Tuscan Heat Dust. Drizzle olive oil into a skillet and pan-fry slices until golden, about 1-2 minutes per side.

1. Prepare tzatziki by mixing grated cucumber (squeezed dry), plain Greek yogurt, half the chopped dill, salt, and pepper.

1. Cut pita bread into triangles. Melt 2 tbsp butter and mix with remaining minced garlic; brush onto pita triangles. Bake until lightly toasted, about 5-7 minutes.

1. Melt remaining butter (2 tbsp) in a pot, add couscous, and toast until lightly golden. Add water according to couscous package directions and cook until done. Stir in lemon zest and juice from half a lemon.

1. Toss diced tomatoes and cucumbers with remaining dill, lemon juice from the other lemon half, salt, and pepper.

1. Arrange chicken, grilling cheese, pita chips, couscous, tomato-cucumber salad, and tzatziki onto a platter.

Serve immediately and enjoy!