Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, marinated chicken with a fresh, tangy salsa and creamy tzatziki. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, they bring the bright tastes of the Mediterranean wrapped in warm pita bread.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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 (such as Athenos Crumbled Feta)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for salsa)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 pita breads
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, 2.5 tablespoons 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 marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 45 minutes for deeper flavor.
2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the salsa. In another bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Add crumbled feta and toss gently. Dress with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it rest for a few minutes to meld flavors.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, letting excess marinade drip back into the bowl. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
4. Step 4: Warm the pita bread by holding 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.
5. Step 5: Assemble the tacos by filling each pita with chicken, topping with the Mediterranean salsa, and drizzling with tzatziki for a creamy, cooling finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken outdoors instead of using a skillet.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful protein.
• Try adding chopped olives or a sprinkle of sumac to the salsa for a different Mediterranean twist.
• Use low-carb or whole wheat pitas to suit dietary preferences.

Storage

Store 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 until warm. Keep pita bread fresh wrapped at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 2 days; warm before serving to restore pliability.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the marinade and salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and salsa a few hours ahead or even the day before to save time. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator and keep the salsa chilled until ready to serve.

What can I use if I don’t have tzatziki?

If you don’t have tzatziki, plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little minced garlic and lemon juice works as a great substitute, providing a similar creamy and tangy texture.

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 58 reviews

These Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos feature marinated chicken breast seared to golden perfection and topped with a fresh, vibrant Mediterranean salsa and creamy tzatziki, all wrapped in warm, soft pitas. This easy, flavorful recipe combines classic Mediterranean ingredients with a fun, taco-style assembly perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos 1x
• Category: Chicken, Fusion, Mediterranean, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• 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 fresh 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

1. Prepare the Marinade and Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until combined. Add chicken chunks and toss until evenly coated with marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, ideally up to 45 minutes for more flavor.
2. Make the Mediterranean Salsa: Combine diced cucumbers, seeded and diced tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley in a bowl. Gently toss with crumbled feta cheese. Dress with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow to rest for a few minutes so flavors meld.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer, leaving space between pieces, and let cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Warm the Pitas: While the chicken cooks, warm pitas by either briefly placing over a gas flame, heating in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or wrapping in foil and heating in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to make them pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos: On a serving platter, place the warmed pitas and fill each with a generous portion of cooked chicken. Top with a spoonful of Mediterranean salsa and drizzle with tzatziki for a creamy contrast.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer if possible, up to 45 minutes, for best flavor absorption.
• Make the salsa ahead to allow the flavors to meld better.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
• Warming pitas properly helps prevent tearing when filling.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level in marinade.

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