Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches – Crunch Meets Creamy Cool

These Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate summer bite—juicy, golden chicken meets crunchy veggies and cool, creamy tzatziki. A healthy, flavor-packed air fryer recipe you’ll crave all season! 

Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches – Crunch Meets Creamy Cool

Some sandwiches are just... satisfying. The kind you bite into and instantly know you’ll be making again and again. These Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches are that kind of sandwich. With a golden, ultra-crunchy cornflake crust and a tender, juicy center (thanks, air fryer!), each bite is a flavor-packed celebration of summer. The cool, garlicky tzatziki and crisp cucumber-tomato salad bring just the right contrast—refreshing, tangy, and full of Mediterranean sunshine.  Want a bonus bite? Whip up extra cucumber and tomato mix to serve on the side—it makes a light and zesty salad.

As someone who can’t resist Greek flavors, this combo hits every note I love: herb-seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and that dreamy tzatziki drizzle. And the best part? It all comes together without turning on the oven. The air fryer makes this so easy—just press a button, flip once, and you’re rewarded with chicken that’s just as juicy and crispy as the deep-fried kind, but so much lighter.

Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch, need a weeknight dinner that feels a little special, or just want a sandwich that’s actually exciting, this one’s for you. Toast those buns, pile on the toppings, and prepare to fall in love with your new summer favorite.

Enjoy!

Equipment you may need

• Air Fryer - I use this one for the larger capacity and it's consistent even cooking. (It's on sale with prime right now!)

What Ingredients will I need?

Produce

• Cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes

Meat & Dairy

• Chicken breasts
• Eggs
• Tzatziki or tzatziki salad dressing

Bakery

• Hamburger buns

Pantry

• Greek seasoning - I recently purchased this one and it is very good.  It's an herb blend and they use good clean ingredients.  This one is my standard Greek seasoning and is nice as well.  
• All-purpose flour
• Corn flakes
• Red wine vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Cooking spray

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Want to make this recipe with what you have on hand? Here are some easy ingredient substitutions to keep things flexible and delicious:

• Chicken breasts → Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option

• Corn flakes → Use panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed tortilla chips for a different kind of crunch.

• Tzatziki → Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice, garlic, dill, and cucumber makes a quick homemade version.

• Buns → Swap in pita, naan, or lettuce wraps for a lower-carb or Mediterranean-style twist.

• Red wine vinegar → White wine vinegar or lemon juice works great in a pinch.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches for different tastes, occasions, or dietary needs:

• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne to the cornflake coating or spread a layer of harissa or spicy hummus on the bun.

• Mediterranean Bowl Style – Skip the bun and serve the crispy chicken over a bed of greens, rice, or quinoa with the cucumber-tomato salad and tzatziki on top.

• Grilled Chicken Option – Skip the coating and air frying—just season and grill the chicken for a lighter, lower-carb version.

• Add Cheese – Feta crumbles or a slice of provolone or mozzarella can add a rich, creamy bite.

• Veggie Boost – Add baby spinach, arugula, or roasted red peppers to layer in even more flavor and color.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

A few helpful tips to make your Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches come out perfectly every time:

• Even Thickness = Even Cooking
  Lightly pounding the chicken ensures each piece cooks at the same rate—no dry edges or underdone centers.

• Crush Corn Flakes Finely
  Use a zip-top bag and rolling pin or pulse them briefly in a food processor. Finer crumbs help the coating stick better and give a more even crunch.

• Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray
  A light mist of cooking spray over the chicken helps the air fryer create that golden, crispy crust without any excess oil.

• Preheat the Air Fryer
  Just like an oven, a preheated air fryer gives you better texture and even browning right from the start.

• Toast the Buns
  A quick toast brings out flavor and keeps them from soaking up too much moisture from the tzatziki and veggies.

Bonus Tips

• How to Toast the Buns Like a Pro
  Lightly butter the cut sides of your sandwich buns and toast them in a hot skillet or grill pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. This adds flavor and helps keep the bun from getting soggy once layered with juicy chicken and tzatziki.

• Storing Leftovers
  Store leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes to revive the crunch. Keep the cucumber-tomato salad and buns separate to maintain freshness and texture.

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Chicken Milanese with Arugula Salad

Chicken Milanese with Arugula Salad is a delightful dish that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a refreshing, peppery salad.

Chicken Milanese with Arugula Salad

Chicken Milanese with Arugula Salad is a perfect balance of crispy, golden-brown chicken paired with a fresh, peppery salad. The combination of tender chicken coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and a light, refreshing arugula salad is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to serve guests, this dish is versatile and easy to make. The simple yet vibrant lemon dressing enhances the freshness of the arugula, while the chicken adds a savory, satisfying element to the plate.

What makes this recipe truly irresistible is its ability to offer both indulgence and lightness in one dish. The crispy texture of the chicken contrasts beautifully with the crisp greens, while the citrusy dressing adds a burst of brightness. It's a meal that's both comforting and refreshing, making it a go-to for any occasion. Plus, it's easily customizable to suit dietary preferences and available ingredients, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• Proteins:  
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)

• Dry Goods:
• plain panko breadcrumbs
• all-purpose flour
• Coarse salt 
• Ground pepper 

• Dairy:
• 2 large eggs

• Oils & Vinegars:
• olive oil 

• Produce:
• 2 lemons 
• 5 ounces baby arugula
• 1 cucumber 
• fresh dill

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Chicken Breast: Substitute with chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) turkey breast , veal or pork cutlets

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Substitute with regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, ground almonds, or crushed crackers (e.g., Ritz)

• Arugula:  Substitute with Spinach, Mixed greens, Baby kale, or Watercress 

• Lemon Juice:  Substitute with vinegar (white wine, apple cider, or balsamic), lime juice , or orange juice.

• Cucumber:  Substitute with celery, zucchini, or radishes 

Variations

• Garnishes:  Include shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze, adding layers of flavor and texture.

• Caprese Chicken Milanese: Top the cooked chicken with fresh sliced mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve the arugula salad on the side or mixed into the dish.

• Chicken Milanese with Avocado & Mango Salad:  Instead of arugula, toss together mixed greens with sliced avocado, fresh mango, and a light citrus vinaigrette. Top with the crispy chicken breast for a tropical twist.

• Lemon & Herb Chicken Milanese:  Instead of just plain breadcrumbs, mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into the breading. Marinate the chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon zest, and garlic for an hour before breading and frying.

• Spicy Chicken Milanese:   Add chili flakes, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the breading mixture for a spicy kick. You can also mix some chili powder or smoked paprika into the olive oil dressing for the arugula salad.

• Chicken Parmesan Milanese:  After frying the chicken, top each breast with marinara sauce and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Return it to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Serve with the arugula salad on the side or on top.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Gluten-Free Chicken Milanese:  Replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes. Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dredging step.

• Pound the Chicken Evenly:  Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This helps them cook more evenly and quickly, resulting in a tender interior and crispy exterior.

• Proper Breading Technique:  Dredging Order: First, coat the chicken in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken gently to ensure a good coating.

• Double Dipping (optional): For an extra-crispy crust, dip the chicken back into the egg and breadcrumbs after the first coating. This will create a thicker, crunchier crust.

• Season the Breading:  Don't forget to season your flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. Adding a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs to the breadcrumbs can also enhance the flavor of the chicken.

• Fry in Batches:  Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the oil stays hot and the chicken fries evenly. Fry the chicken in batches, and make sure to keep the heat at medium-high to get a crispy, golden crust.

• Drain on Paper Towels:  After frying, place the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain the crispiness.

• Dress Right Before Serving:  Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting. Toss gently to coat the greens without bruising them.

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Chicken Milanese with Arugula Salad


serves 4

1 ¼ cups plain panko
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 6 ounces each)
¼ cup plus olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges, for serving
5 ounces baby arugula
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced

2-3 stems of fresh dill, chopped

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound them to an even thickness of ½ inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin (place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper). 

Place the flour in a shallow dish and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.  Add the beaten eggs to another dish.  In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.  Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.  Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.  Coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate.

Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), add the chicken breasts.  Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).  Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

In a large bowl, combine the baby arugula and cucumber slices. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1–2 tablespoons olive oil, half of the chopped dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

Plate each chicken breast and top with the remaining chopped dill.  Add a portion of the arugula and cucumber salad on the side.  Garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken.

Chicken Milanesa

When I first moved to my current home, about 20 years ago (wow...reality time check..ouch!) we had a great social atmosphere here.  Lots of parties, dancing, hanging out by the pool, just lots of activities going on.  One things that was always a plus at that time was that there is a local Mexican joint down the street.  You know, a hole in the wall type.  We have these little Mexican joints all over Los Angeles, some are good, some are so-so, and some...well let just say your wouldn't want to step inside.

The one down the street is pretty good.  Their food is fresh, inexpensive, and filling.  Plus it's in walking distance!  What's better than to grab your friends in the evening, especially when you don't want to cook, and go have some Mexican food and a beer.  Good times, and good friends.  One of my friends used to bring his son with us.  He was about 12 at the time.  I always thought it was so strange that he would order Chicken Milanesa and french fries.  I mean, we're in a Mexican restaurant right?  What about eating something that tastes like Mexican flavors, like a taco, or a burrito, or arroz con pollo?  But he continued to eat that same dish of breaded chicken and french fries over the years.

(hehe! my chicken is the shape of a lobster!)

One day I finally tried it and BAM, it hit me.  This chicken is really, really good!  The hint of the flavored bread crumbs, and the thin, thin chicken breasts that are pan fried and juicy.  But still I didn't eat it that often.

The other day something reminded me of that young boy and his breaded chicken and I decided to make Chicken Milanesa at home.  And I did.  What took me soooo long??? Man! This chicken really is the bomb!  Nice subtle flavors and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.  Served with my Easy Mexican Rice, this dish is a winner (rice recipe will follow soon!)  All that I can say is that I'm a dork for waiting so long to make this.

Don't be like me....make yours tonight.  You'll thank me for it, as I thank that young boy for introducing me to a winning chicken dish, Mexican style!


Chicken Milanesa

serves 4

1 egg, slightly beaten

¼ t garlic powder
½ t salt

¼ t pepper
1/8 t cayenne pepper
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ¼ “ thick
3/4 cup plain bread crumbs

Canola oil

Beat the eggs in a shallow pan.  Place bread crumbs along with garlic, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper in another shallow pan, mixing to combine.  Dip chicken breasts into egg mixture on both sides. Dip into bread crumbs, and then set on a wire rack for a few minutes to allow the crumbs to set. 

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the oil and cook 4-5 minutes per side, turning once until golden brown and cooked through.  Serve immediately.  

Herb Fried Chicken with Black Pepper Gravy

A quintessential southern dish, fried chicken is mighty hard to beat when it comes to comfort food.  Throw in some gravy and some mashed potatoes and you have Sunday supper!

My “Eat Well 2013” motto allows for a few treats every now and then.  Today’s dish definitely falls into the “treat” category.  While not exactly healthy, this dish calls out to you promising warmth, satisfaction, and comfort. 

Today’s recipe is a variation of this southern classic.  It has herbs in the crust of the chicken, and it has garlic in the gravy.  Now before you say “Eeeewww!” think of it this way.  It’s more like fried chicken and gravy, Italian style.  So if you were in Italy and wanted this comfort dish, this is what you’d make…well maybe not, but the flavors are typically Italian,  So you’ll need not to expect regular old southern fried chicken with milk gravy.  Keep thinking “Italian” and you’ll be just fine.

I found this recipe in my Cuisine Tonight for Two booklet and was intrigued by the ingredients.  I enjoy fried chicken.  Who doesn’t?  But, since they threw some twist on it I decided to check it out.  Really glad I did!  One bite, and it really hit a spot with me.  I even told my mom about it.  She made a little face when I mentioned the ingredients (die hard traditionalist) but was open to the idea.  So, I’m sure your family will too.

Comfort food? Yes, all the way.  This is a definite keeper of a recipe.  It's easy enough to make on a weeknight using boneless skinless breasts.  So I hope you try this wonderful version of fried chicken and gravy.  Buon appetito!

Herb Fried Chicken with Black Pepper Gravy

from Cuisine Tonight For Two Fall 2012

serves 2

Total time: 30 minutes

FOR THE CHICKEN COMBINE:

1/2 c all purpose flour

1 tsp minced fresh parsley

1 tsp minced fresh thyme

1 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 c buttermilk

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5-6 oz. each)

Canola oil

FOR THE PEPPER GRAVY COOK:

1 tsp minced garlic

3 Tbsp all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

1 cup milk

1 tsp minced fresh thyme

1 tsp salt, or to taste

For the chicken, combine 1/2 cup flour, parsley, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp pepper, and salt in a shallow dish.  Place buttermilk in a second shallow dish.  Dredge chicken in flour mixture, dip in buttermilk, then dredge again in flour mixture. Chill coated breasts on a rack placed over a baking sheet at least 5 minutes. 

Heat 1/4 inch oil in a saute pan over medium-high until shimmering.  Fry chicken until golden on one side, about 6 minutes.  Flip chicken and fry until brown and cooked through, 5-6 minutes more.  Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil.  Pour off all but 1 Tbsp. oil.

For the pepper gravy cook garlic in same saute pan over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Whisk in 3 Tbsp. flour and 1 1/2 tsp pepper; slowly whisk in milk.  Boil gravy, whisking constantly, until thick, 2-3 minutes.  Stir in 1 tsp thyme and salt.

Serve gravy over chicken.

Diner Night: Old Fashioned Steak Fingers

Yum

Friday night was "Diner Night" at our house.

I was surfing some great blogs when I came across a recipe on Miz Helen's Country Cottage that just brought back memories of visiting my relatives in Texas and Oklahoma and eating diner food. We used to drive from California when I was little to go see my relatives and stop at many diners along the way.  The more toward Texas or Oklahoma we got the bigger the food, and the more Steak Fingers I ate.  Or chicken fried steak for that matter!  

Steak Fingers was always a popular dish growing up.  My Mom to this day loves Steak Fingers, and often gets them at a local drive thru.

So feeling nostalgic I thought I'd whip up some good ole diner food at home.  On the menu: Old Fashioned Steak Fingers with Roasted Oven Fries and some milk gravy as a dipping sauce.  

Simple, delicious, comfort food.  What a great way to end the week!  Makes you feel all warm and cozy inside eating a meal like this.  So bringing back all the memories was a blast.  MGG enjoyed my stories of travels and all the good times me and my family had.  And let's not forget the food!

Thanks Miz Helen for the wonderful incentive to remake this comforting dish!!!  Make sure to go visit her and say "hi!" She has such a terrific site!

Go here for the recipe on the Roasted Oven Fries.

So tell me, what is your favorite dish you remember from your past that just brings back good memories?

Old Fashioned Steak Fingers

Adapted from Miz Helen's Kitchen

1 pound cube steak, cut into strips
2 cups flour (of your choice)
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
dash cayenne pepper
2 eggs, beaten
Canola oil for frying

Mix the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a dish or pie pan. Beat 2 eggs and place in a separate dish or pie pan.

Heat oil to the depth of about ¼ inch in a large skillet until hot over medium –high heat.

Dip the steak into the flour and cornmeal mixture. Shake off any excess. Then dip it into the egg. Next dip it back into the flour mixture.

Add your Steak Fingers to the oil at a time and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. The heat should be a little on the high side (medium high) so that the meat, which is thin, cooks pretty quickly, crisps well, and does not absorb a lot of oil.

Remove and drain on a paper towel. Serve alongside oven roasted fries and milk gravy as a dipping sauce.


Shared with: Weekend Potluck