Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
