Ingredients
- 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
- 1.25 cups cucumbers, diced about 1/2 inch
- 1 cup tomatoes, seeded and diced about 1/2 inch
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (about 1/4 inch)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for salsa)
- Salt to taste (for salsa)
- Pepper to taste (for salsa)
- 8 soft pitas
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth to make marinade.
- Add chicken chunks to marinade and toss to coat; marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 45 minutes for best flavor and tenderness.
- Dice cucumbers, seed and dice tomatoes, dice bell pepper, finely chop red onion and parsley.
- In a bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley; fold in crumbled feta, add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste; toss gently and chill for a few minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Add marinated chicken in a single layer, allowing excess marinade to drip off; avoid crowding the pan.
- Cook chicken undisturbed for 3–5 minutes, flip, and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Check internal temperature; remove chicken at 155°F and let rest 5 minutes to carry over to 165°F, or cook until it reaches 165°F directly.
- Warm pitas over a gas flame, in a dry skillet about 30 seconds per side, or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Assemble tacos by filling warmed pitas with cooked chicken, topping with Mediterranean salsa, and drizzling with tzatziki sauce.
Notes
Avoid overcooking chicken breast to keep it juicy; rest after removing from heat., Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for flavor and up to 45 for more tenderness., Use a hot skillet to get a golden crust on chicken without steaming., Uniformly dice vegetables for the best texture and flavor in salsa., Tacos can be customized with chicken thighs, turkey, fish, or vegetarian fillings; pitas can be substituted with tortillas, naan, or lettuce wraps., Cooked chicken and veggies store separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and chicken freezes up to 3 months., Suggested sides include Greek salad, baked pita chips with dips, roasted chickpeas, or couscous salad.
- Prep Time: 30-45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (assuming 8 tacos per recipe)
- Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving (2 tacos)
- Fat: Approximately 15g per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30g per serving