Description
These Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos combine juicy, marinated chicken breast pieces seared to golden perfection with a fresh, vibrant Mediterranean salsa and creamy tzatziki, all wrapped in warm, soft pita bread. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, this fusion recipe offers a flavorful twist on traditional tacos with healthy and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 2.5 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 2.5 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves (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 crumbled feta cheese
- 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 fully combined. Add the chicken chunks and toss well to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, preferably up to 45 minutes for maximum 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 fold in the crumbled feta cheese. Dress with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow to sit for a few minutes to let flavors meld.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Arrange marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them to develop a golden crust. Cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes, then flip each piece and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Warm the pitas: While chicken cooks, warm the pita breads by either holding them over a gas flame briefly, heating in a dry skillet about 30 seconds per side, or wrapping in foil and placing in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. This softens them for easier filling.
- Assemble the tacos: Lay warm pitas on a serving platter. Fill each with seared chicken chunks, top generously with the prepared Mediterranean salsa, and drizzle with creamy tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinating chicken longer enhances the flavor but do not exceed 2 hours to prevent texture changes.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
- To make the salsa ahead, store it refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Choose good quality extra virgin olive oil for the marinade for richer taste.
- For a spicier version, increase red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to salsa.
- Warm the pitas just before serving to keep them soft and pliable.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken tacos, grilled chicken, pita tacos, healthy chicken recipe, tzatziki chicken tacos, summer chicken recipe, fresh salsa tacos
