Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Marinated chicken is seared to perfection, then paired with a fresh Mediterranean salsa and creamy tzatziki inside warm pitas. They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

• For the marinade:
• 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
• 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
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the assembly:
• 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 deeper flavor.
2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the salsa. In a bowl, combine diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and crumbled feta. Dress with lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then toss gently. Let it sit a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the marinated chicken in a single layer, letting excess marinade drip off. Cook without moving for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Step 4: Warm the pitas by placing them 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. Fill each pita with cooked chicken, spoon on Mediterranean salsa, and drizzle with tzatziki before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the salsa.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of tzatziki for a lighter sauce option.
• Swap pitas for soft tortillas or lettuce wraps to change up the texture.
• Marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge for even more flavorful results.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken, salsa, and pitas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warm. Assemble the tacos fresh to keep the pitas from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks and adjust cooking time until fully cooked.

Is it possible to grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely! Grill the marinated chicken chunks over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely charred.

Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 66 reviews

These Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos offer a vibrant burst of fresh flavors with juicy marinated chicken, crunchy vegetable salsa, and creamy tzatziki wrapped in warm pitas. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or a delightful gathering, this recipe combines the zest of lemon, aromatic oregano, and the richness of feta cheese for an irresistible Mediterranean twist.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

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 crumbled feta cheese (such as Athenos Crumbled Feta)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For the assembly:

• 8 pitas
• 1/2 cup tzatziki

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade and Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, freshly minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Add the chicken breast chunks and toss to coat evenly, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 45 minutes for maximum flavor penetration.
2. Make the Mediterranean Salsa: While the chicken marinates, combine diced cucumbers, seeded and diced tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley in a bowl. Add the crumbled feta cheese and gently toss to combine. Dress with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow the salsa to sit for a few minutes to meld flavors.
3. Sear the Marinated Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, letting any excess marinade drip off. Avoid overcrowding the pan to promote browning. Cook the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust, then flip each piece and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Warm the Pitas and Assemble the Tacos: While the chicken finishes cooking, warm the pitas by placing them 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. Once warm, arrange pitas on a serving platter. Fill each pita with seared chicken chunks, top with a spoonful of the Mediterranean salsa, and drizzle with creamy tzatziki for a cool contrast.

Notes

• Marinating chicken for longer than 15 minutes enhances the flavor; up to 45 minutes is ideal.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken to ensure a nice golden crust.
• Warming the pitas properly makes them more pliable and prevents tearing during assembly.
• The salsa can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge to deepen the flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internal temperature.
• If you prefer some extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes slightly in the marinade.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken tacos, grilled chicken tacos, healthy chicken tacos, easy chicken dinner, tzatziki tacos, feta salsa tacos