Description
These Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Tacos combine tender, marinated chicken breast chunks with a fresh, vibrant Mediterranean salsa and creamy tzatziki, served in warm pitas for a delightful fusion meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
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 parsley (chopped)
- 3/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled, e.g., Athenos Crumbled Feta)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the assembly:
- 8 pitas
- 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 well combined. Add the chicken chunks and toss to coat evenly, ensuring all pieces are well covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Make the Mediterranean salsa: While the chicken marinates, combine diced cucumbers, seeded tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and parsley in a bowl. Add crumbled feta cheese and toss gently. Dress with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow to 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 marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, letting excess marinade drip off. Cook undisturbed 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.
- Warm the pitas: While the chicken cooks, warm the pitas by either holding them over a gas flame briefly, heating them in a dry skillet 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: Place warm pitas on a serving platter, fill each with a generous portion of cooked chicken, top with the Mediterranean salsa, and drizzle with tzatziki for a creamy and refreshing finish. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor; up to 45 minutes yields better results.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to develop a nice golden crust.
- If desired, add extra red pepper flakes for more heat in the marinade or salsa.
- Warming the pitas properly makes them more flexible and reduces tearing when filling.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean Fusion
Keywords: Grilled chicken tacos, Mediterranean chicken tacos, chicken pita tacos, healthy chicken tacos, Mediterranean salsa, tzatziki chicken tacos
