Name: Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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 cucumber, 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 (Athenos Crumbled Feta recommended); 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 8 pita breads; 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce

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

3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 tbsp lemon juice (for salsa)

Salt and pepper to taste (for salsa)

8 pitas

1/2 cup tzatziki

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, 2.5 tbsp lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Add chicken chunks and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 45 minutes for more flavor.

Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the salsa. In a bowl, combine diced cucumbers, seeded tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Add crumbled feta and toss gently. Dress with 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let the salsa sit for a few minutes to meld flavors.

Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add marinated chicken in a single layer, letting excess marinade drip off. Cook without moving for 3-5 minutes until golden, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Warm the pitas by holding them over a gas flame, heating 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.

Step 5: Assemble the tacos by filling each pita with grilled chicken, topping with Mediterranean salsa, and drizzling with tzatziki for a creamy finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken outdoors instead of cooking in a skillet.

Substitute chicken with lamb or beef chunks for a richer taste.

Add a sprinkle of chopped mint to the salsa for added freshness.

Use Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and cucumber as an alternative to store-bought tzatziki.

Warm pitas just before serving to keep them soft and easy to fold.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight in the refrigerator will deepen the flavors even more, but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.

What can I use if I don’t have pita bread?

You can substitute pita with soft tortillas, naan bread, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Just warm them before assembling to keep pliable.