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.
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 (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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
