Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
