Chicken with Halloumi: A Delicious Duo of Recipes

Halloumi, the squeaky cheese from Cyprus, pairs beautifully with chicken, creating a delightful combination of savory and salty flavors. This article explores two exciting recipes showcasing this delicious duo: a vibrant Grilled Chicken and Halloumi Salad and a comforting Chicken and Halloumi Traybake. Both recipes are relatively easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Grilled Chicken and Halloumi Salad: A Summer Delight

This recipe is light, refreshing, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It's ideal for a warm evening or a healthy lunch.

Keywords: Grilled chicken halloumi salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy chicken recipe, summer salad recipe, halloumi grilling tips

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 200g halloumi cheese, sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 50g mixed greens
• Dressing:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Grill the chicken and halloumi: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken cubes for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through. Grill the halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly charred.
3. Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and mixed greens.
4. Make the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Assemble the salad: Add the grilled chicken and halloumi to the salad bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Serve immediately: Enjoy this flavorful and healthy salad!

Chicken and Halloumi Traybake: A Weeknight Winner

This recipe requires minimal preparation and is perfect for a busy weeknight. The oven does all the work, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly browned halloumi.

Keywords: Chicken halloumi traybake, easy chicken recipe, one-pan dinner, roasted chicken, halloumi recipe, weeknight dinner

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 200g halloumi cheese, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 red onion, quartered
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the traybake: Spread the vegetables evenly in a large baking dish. Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. Arrange the halloumi slices around the chicken.
4. Season and bake: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the chicken and halloumi. Sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the halloumi is golden brown.
6. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Halloumi

• Don't overcrowd the pan: When grilling or pan-frying halloumi, ensure there's enough space between the slices to allow for even browning.
• Medium-high heat: Use medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear without burning the cheese.
• No need to oil: Halloumi is naturally quite oily, so excessive oil is not necessary.

By following these recipes and tips, you can create delicious and impressive meals featuring the delightful combination of chicken and halloumi. Enjoy!