How long should I marinate the chicken?

A minimum of 15 minutes at room temperature is enough to make a noticeable difference in flavor. Thirty to 45 minutes is ideal for deeper penetration of the lemon, garlic, and oregano flavors into the chicken. Do not marinate for longer than 2 hours as the acidity of the lemon juice will begin to break down the proteins in the chicken and give it an unpleasant mushy texture rather than a firm and juicy one.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of pita?

Yes absolutely. Regular flour tortillas, naan bread, and even large lettuce leaves all work well as wrappers for these Mediterranean fillings. Warm flour tortillas the same way you would the pita, in a dry skillet or over a gas flame, so they are pliable and fold without cracking. The flavor of pita is the most authentic pairing with the Greek-inspired filling but the recipe is genuinely delicious in whatever wrapper you have available.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Yes and grilling adds a wonderful smoky charred dimension to the lemon oregano marinade that is particularly beautiful in these tacos. Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through with visible grill marks. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and assembling.

Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Easy Fresh Weeknight Dinner

Name: Mediterranean Chicken Tacos The Most Fresh and Flavorful Tacos You Will Make
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken Breast cut into 1-inch chunks; 2 1/2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 2 1/2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice; 2 cloves Garlic freshly minced; 2 tsp Dried Oregano; 1/2 tsp Paprika; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes; 1 1/4 cups Cucumber diced into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 cup Tomatoes seeded and diced; 1 cup Bell Pepper diced; 1/4 cup Red Onion finely chopped; 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped; 3/4 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese; 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice for salsa; Salt and Pepper to taste; 8 Pitas warmed; 1/2 cup Tzatziki Sauce

Description

The most fresh and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tacos made with lemon oregano marinated chicken, a vibrant cucumber tomato feta salsa, and creamy tzatziki all wrapped in warm soft pita. A completely satisfying weeknight dinner ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Chicken Breast cut into 1-inch chunks

2 1/2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 1/2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice

2 cloves Garlic freshly minced

2 tsp Dried Oregano

1/2 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Black Pepper

1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

1 1/4 cups Cucumber diced into 1/2-inch pieces

1 cup Tomatoes seeded and diced

1 cup Bell Pepper diced

1/4 cup Red Onion finely chopped

2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped

3/4 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese

1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice for salsa

Salt and Pepper to taste

8 Pitas warmed

1/2 cup Tzatziki Sauce

Instructions

1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.

2. Add chicken chunks and toss to coat. Marinate at least 15 minutes or up to 45 minutes.

3. Combine cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and feta in a bowl.

4. Dress salsa with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside to meld.

5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.

6. Add marinated chicken in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan.

7. Cook 3 to 5 minutes without moving. Flip and cook 3 to 4 minutes more until golden and cooked to 165°F.

8. Rest chicken 5 minutes off the heat.

9. Warm pitas in a dry skillet or over a gas flame 30 seconds per side.

10. Fill each pita with chicken, spoon Mediterranean salsa over the top, and drizzle with tzatziki.

11. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not move the chicken once it hits the pan so it develops a proper golden crust.

Pull chicken at 155°F and rest 5 minutes to reach 165°F safely while staying juicy.

Chicken thighs are a more forgiving substitute for breast and stay juicier.

Do not marinate longer than 2 hours as lemon juice will break down the chicken texture.

Store chicken and salsa separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course, Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 475
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: mediterranean chicken tacos, greek chicken tacos, pita tacos, lemon oregano chicken recipe