Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos offer a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. Marinated chicken is seared to perfection and paired with a fresh, tangy salsa and creamy tzatziki for a deliciously satisfying meal.

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 (chopped)
• 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, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Add the chicken chunks and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for more flavor.
2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the salsa. Combine diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley in a bowl. Add crumbled feta cheese and toss gently. Dress with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Transfer the marinated chicken in a single layer, letting excess marinade drip back. Cook without moving for 3 to 5 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Step 4: Warm the pitas by heating directly over a gas flame, in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. Once warmed, fill each pita with cooked chicken, top with the Mediterranean salsa, and drizzle with tzatziki.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken on an outdoor barbecue instead of using a skillet.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier and more tender result.
• Add chopped fresh mint or dill to the salsa for additional freshness.
• Use gluten-free pita or flatbread for a gluten-free version.
• Leftover salsa can double as a refreshing salad topping or side dish.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Keep pitas wrapped at room temperature or lightly toasted before serving again to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and best texture.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes to the marinade or include sliced jalapeños in the salsa for a spicy kick.

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 67 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x

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Description

These Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos combine juicy marinated chicken breast chunks with a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean salsa, all wrapped in warm, soft pita bread and topped with creamy tzatziki for a delicious fusion of flavors perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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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 (chopped)
• 3/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled, e.g. Athenos Crumbled Feta)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

For the assembly:

• 8 pitas
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Add the chicken chunks and toss to coat all pieces evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 45 minutes for deeper flavor.
2. Make the salsa: In another bowl, combine diced cucumbers, seeded diced tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley. Add crumbled feta cheese and toss gently. Dress with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let it sit a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Place marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding crowding. Cook 3 to 5 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust, then flip each piece and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
4. Warm the pitas: While the chicken cooks, warm pitas either 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 for filling.
5. Assemble the tacos: Arrange warm pitas on a platter. Fill each with a generous amount of cooked chicken, add a spoonful of Mediterranean salsa on top, and finish with a drizzle of tzatziki for creaminess and cooling contrast. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Marinating chicken for at least 20 minutes greatly enhances flavor.
• Ensure chicken pieces are cut to uniform size for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet to allow proper browning of the chicken.
• Warming pitas makes them more flexible and prevents tearing during assembly.
• Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor profile.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken tacos, grilled chicken tacos, pita tacos, fresh salsa, tzatziki chicken tacos, easy chicken recipe