Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos bring together tender, marinated chicken and a fresh, vibrant salsa for a delicious fusion meal. Easy to prepare and packed with bright flavors, they make a perfect weeknight dinner or casual get-together dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 2.5 tbsp olive oil
• 2.5 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves (freshly minced)
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1.25 cups cucumbers (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup tomatoes (seeded and diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup bell pepper (diced)
• 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 3/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for salsa)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 8 pitas
• 1/2 cup tzatziki

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, 2.5 tbsp lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add chicken chunks and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 45 minutes for deeper flavor.
2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the salsa by combining diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley in a bowl. Gently toss in crumbled feta, then dress with 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for a few minutes to meld flavors.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add marinated chicken in a single layer, letting excess marinade drip off. Cook without moving for 3 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
4. Step 4: Warm the pitas by toasting them over a gas flame, in a dry skillet, or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes until pliable.
5. Step 5: Assemble the tacos by filling each pita with cooked chicken, topping with Mediterranean salsa, and drizzling with tzatziki for a creamy finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Swap pitas with warmed tortillas for a different texture.
• Add chopped kalamata olives to the salsa for a briny twist.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of tzatziki if preferred for a milder topping.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling tacos. Keep pitas wrapped to maintain softness and warm before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the feta cheese and substitute tzatziki with a dairy-free yogurt or hummus to keep it creamy.

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 95 reviews

This Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breast chunks cooked to perfection in a skillet, paired with a fresh Mediterranean salsa of cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese. Served in warm pitas and topped with creamy tzatziki, these tacos offer a vibrant, flavorful fusion perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb chicken breast (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 2.5 tbsp olive oil (preferably Bertolli Extra Virgin)
• 2.5 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves (freshly minced)
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

For the Salsa:

• 1.25 cups cucumbers (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup tomatoes (seeded and diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup bell pepper (diced)
• 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped, about 1/4-inch pieces)
• 2 tbsp parsley (fresh)
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (e.g., Athenos)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For the Assembly:

• 8 pitas
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Add chicken chunks and toss to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 45 minutes for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Mediterranean Salsa: In a separate bowl, combine diced cucumbers, seeded and diced tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. Add crumbled feta and toss gently. Dress with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let the salsa rest for a few minutes to blend flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Place marinated chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
4. Warm the Pitas: While chicken cooks, warm pitas by placing directly over a gas flame, in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to make them pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Arrange warmed pitas on a platter. Fill each pita with a generous portion of cooked chicken, top with Mediterranean salsa, and drizzle with tzatziki sauce to add creaminess and cooling contrast.

Notes

• Marinating chicken for longer (up to 45 minutes) enhances flavor.
• Ensure chicken pieces are spaced out while cooking to achieve a good sear.
• Warming pitas properly prevents tearing and makes them easier to fill.
• Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best marinade flavor.
• Check chicken internal temperature to confirm it is fully cooked (165°F).

Keywords: Grilled chicken tacos, Mediterranean chicken, chicken tacos recipe, healthy tacos, pita tacos, feta salsa, Mediterranean salsa