Description
These Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos combine juicy, marinated chicken breast with a fresh, tangy Mediterranean salsa and creamy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. This recipe offers a delightful fusion of smoky, savory, and bright flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.
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 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
For the Assembly:
- 8 pita breads
- 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 smooth. Add the chicken chunks and toss to coat evenly, ensuring every piece is covered. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.
- Make the Mediterranean Salsa: Combine diced cucumbers, seeded and diced tomatoes, diced bell peppers, chopped red onion, and parsley in a bowl. Gently fold in crumbled feta cheese. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the salsa rest for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Transfer the marinated chicken from the bowl to the skillet in a single layer, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Avoid crowding the pan to help the chicken form a golden crust. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Warm the Pitas: While the chicken cooks, warm the pita breads. You can hold them directly over a gas flame, toast in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. This softens the pitas, making them easier to fill without tearing.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay out the warmed pitas on a serving platter. Fill each pita generously with the cooked chicken pieces, top with a spoonful of the Mediterranean salsa, and finish with a drizzle of creamy tzatziki sauce for a cool, rich contrast. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for more intense flavor, but not more than 45 minutes to avoid overly acidic meat.
- Seed the tomatoes to prevent watery salsa.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired heat level.
- Warming the pita breads makes them pliable and prevents tearing during assembly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken tacos, grilled chicken tacos, chicken pita tacos, healthy chicken tacos, Mediterranean salsa, tzatziki tacos
