Part 2
PART 2 🐔 is a easy Middle Eastern recipe that serves 1. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by Ellie Millar on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 15 min
Cost: $5.00 total, $5.00 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Cooked Chicken Breast (sliced into bite‑size strips for dunking)
- 3 tablespoons Garlic Yogurt Sauce (store‑bought or homemade (Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt))
- 2 slices Bread (sturdy bread such as sourdough, ciabatta or pita, toasted lightly)
Instructions
Slice the Chicken
Place the cooked chicken breast on a cutting board and slice it into thin, bite‑size strips that are easy to dunk.
Time: PT2M
Warm the Garlic Yogurt Sauce (optional)
If you prefer a slightly warm sauce, place the yogurt sauce in a small microwave‑safe bowl and heat for 15‑20 seconds, stirring gently. Otherwise, serve at room temperature.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Room temperature or 40°C if warmed
Toast the Bread
Toast the two slices of bread until lightly golden and crisp. If using a grill pan, press each slice for 30 seconds per side.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Assemble and Serve
Arrange the toasted bread on a plate, place the sliced chicken beside it, and put the garlic yogurt sauce in a small bowl. Dunk the chicken strips (or bite of bread) into the sauce as desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 320
- Protein
- 28 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein
Allergens: Dairy (yogurt), Gluten (bread)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cooked Chicken Breast: Rotisserie chicken, Cooked turkey breast
- Instead of Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Tahini sauce, Tzatziki
- Instead of Bread: Pita bread, Flatbread
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Toaster or Grill Pan
- Small Bowl
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice the chicken into uniform strips for even soaking.
- Toast the bread just enough to be crisp but not burnt.
- Avoid overheating the yogurt sauce to prevent curdling.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the yogurt sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce right before serving.
- For a crunchier bite, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on the toasted bread.
Troubleshooting
Bread becomes soggy after dunking.
Toast the bread a little longer for extra crispness, and dunk only briefly.
Yogurt sauce curdles when warmed.
Warm the sauce gently in short bursts (10‑15 seconds) and stir continuously; keep temperature below 50°C.
Chicken is dry.
Use a rotisserie chicken or add a drizzle of olive oil before slicing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken and sauce in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Toasted bread is best eaten fresh.
Freezer: Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating. Sauce does not freeze well.
Room temperature: Do not leave the sauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and slice the chicken a day ahead; keep refrigerated.
- Prepare the garlic yogurt sauce in advance and store in the fridge.
- Toast the bread just before serving for optimal texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken with garlic yogurt sauce in Middle Eastern cuisine?
Garlic yogurt sauce, known as “labneh” or “tzatziki” in various Middle Eastern cultures, has been a staple dip for centuries, pairing with grilled meats and breads. The combination of tender chicken and tangy yogurt reflects the region’s love for balanced, refreshing flavors that complement hot, spiced dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken with yogurt sauce in Middle Eastern cuisine?
In Lebanon and Syria, the sauce often includes mint and cucumber (tzatziki), while in Turkey it may be thickened with strained labneh and flavored with sumac. In the Gulf, a simpler garlic‑lemon yogurt dip is common, sometimes spiced with a hint of za'atar.
How is chicken with garlic yogurt sauce traditionally served in the Middle East?
It is typically served as a mezze or snack, with the chicken pieces placed on a platter alongside warm flatbread or pita, and a bowl of the yogurt dip for guests to dunk or drizzle over the meat.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken with garlic yogurt sauce associated with in Middle Eastern culture?
This simple yet flavorful pairing appears at family gatherings, Ramadan iftars, and casual weekend meals. It’s a crowd‑pleaser because it’s quick to assemble and satisfies both meat‑loving and vegetarian guests when the meat is omitted.
What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with chicken and garlic yogurt sauce?
It pairs beautifully with tabbouleh, fattoush, grilled halloumi, or a fresh cucumber‑tomato salad. For a fuller meal, serve alongside rice pilaf or roasted vegetables seasoned with sumac.
What makes this chicken with garlic yogurt sauce special in Middle Eastern cuisine?
The contrast of warm, juicy chicken with the cool, tangy yogurt creates a harmonious balance of temperature and flavor that is quintessential to Middle Eastern dining, emphasizing freshness and simplicity.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken with garlic yogurt sauce?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, which makes it dry, and overheating the yogurt sauce, which can cause curdling. Also, dunking the bread too long makes it soggy, so a quick dip is best.
Why does this recipe call for lightly toasted bread instead of fully toasted or untoasted?
Lightly toasted bread provides enough crunch to hold the sauce without becoming too hard, while still allowing a quick dunk that keeps the bread from soaking and turning mushy, matching Ellie Millar’s preference in the video.
Can I make this chicken with garlic yogurt sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can slice the cooked chicken and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The yogurt sauce also stores well refrigerated for the same period. Toast the bread just before serving for optimal texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making chicken with garlic yogurt sauce?
The chicken strips should be moist and slightly pink in the center, the yogurt sauce should be smooth and creamy with visible specks of garlic, and the bread should be golden‑brown with a crisp edge.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking for this snack?
If reheating, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). When using pre‑cooked chicken, simply ensure it’s heated through and steaming hot before slicing.
What does the YouTube channel Ellie Millar specialize in?
Ellie Millar’s YouTube channel focuses on fun, approachable home cooking videos, often featuring quick snack ideas, taste tests, and candid reactions to new flavors, with a light‑hearted, relatable style.
How does the YouTube channel Ellie Millar’s approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Ellie Millar emphasizes spontaneous tasting and personal reaction over strict technique, often trying dishes on camera and sharing genuine first‑impression commentary, which gives viewers a more authentic, unfiltered experience compared to more polished instructional channels.
What other Middle Eastern recipes is the YouTube channel Ellie Millar known for?
Ellie Millar has featured other Middle Eastern favorites such as falafel wraps, hummus bowls, and shawarma‑style chicken tacos, always highlighting bold flavors and easy‑to‑follow steps for home cooks.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
