Name: Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice (plus zest for more lemon flavor); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup Persian cucumbers, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, diced; 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (or mint, basil, dill, etc.); 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 lemon, juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; Olive oil for drizzling (optional); 8 whole wheat pitas (thin, e.g. Joseph’s); 1/2 cup tzatziki

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a fresh and vibrant twist on taco night, this Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe is here to steal the spotlight. It beautifully combines tender, lemony chicken chunks with a colorful, crisp salsa bursting with cucumber, tomato, and feta flavors. Wrapped in warm whole wheat pitas and topped with creamy tzatziki, these tacos bring the sunshine of the Mediterranean straight to your plate. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe hits all the right notes with bold herbs, bright citrus, and satisfying textures in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In the center, there is a white ceramic bowl filled with raw pink chicken pieces coated with an orange spice mix and sprinkled with green herbs. Surrounding the bowl are three small white bowls: one holds finely chopped purple onion, another has small red bell pepper pieces, and the last contains small cucumber cubes. To the left of the bowls, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley next to a small white bowl of halved red cherry tomatoes. In the background, a basket with pita bread is partially visible, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients ready for the Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each element plays a key role: the juicy chicken soaked in fragrant spices, the crispness of fresh veggies, and the tangy punch of feta and lemon pull everything together into a harmonious bite.

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast: Perfectly chunked to soak up all the marinade flavors.
2 tbsp olive oil: The foundation of the marinade, adding richness and helping the chicken brown beautifully.
2 tbsp lemon juice (plus zest if you love extra zing): Adds vibrant acidity that wakes up the chicken.
2 garlic cloves, minced: A classic Mediterranean flavor that deepens the taste.
2 tsp oregano: Earthy and aromatic, this herb brings an authentic Greek essence.
1/2 tsp paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
1/2 tsp black pepper: A gentle peppery kick to balance the lemony notes.
8 whole wheat pitas (thin preferred): Soft but sturdy wraps that hold all the goodness.
1 cup Persian cucumbers, chopped: Crisp and cooling element in the salsa.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped: Bursts of sweet acidity that brighten every bite.
1 cup red bell pepper, chopped: Adds crunch and a splash of vibrant red.
1/4 cup red onion, diced: Sharp and sweet, it adds depth to the salsa.
2 tbsp parsley, chopped (or your favorite herb): Fresh and fragrant finishing touch.
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Salty and creamy, the signature tangy flavor.
1 lemon, juice: Brightens the salsa with another hit of citrus.
Salt and pepper: To taste for balancing the salsa seasoning.
1/2 cup tzatziki: Creamy, cooling sauce that brings everything together.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large non-reactive bowl. Toss in the chicken chunks and give them a good stir so every piece is lovingly coated. Letting the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, ideally 30 to 45, is where the magic happens—the citrus and herbs penetrate deeply, promising juicy, flavorful bites when cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Mediterranean Salsa

While the chicken is soaking up all those bright flavors, chop the Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion. Combine them in a bowl with the chopped parsley, crumbled feta, lemon juice, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil if you like a little extra richness. This salsa bursts with fresh textures and vibrant colors, adding an irresistible brightness to the tacos.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Arrange the marinated chicken chunks in a single layer without crowding to ensure they brown beautifully. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on one side until golden and slightly crisp, then flip and finish cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through. The aroma at this stage is heavenly and will make you impatient to assemble your tacos.

Step 4: Warm the Pitas and Assemble

Softening the whole wheat pitas ensures they’re pliable and won’t crack when you fold them. Pop them on a griddle or skillet with a little cooking spray until just warmed through. Then comes the fun part—layering each pita with a generous portion of the juicy chicken, refreshing Mediterranean salsa, and a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

Four soft pita bread wraps are placed on a white oval plate on a white marbled surface. Each wrap is folded in half and filled with three layers: a creamy white layer with green herbs, a layer of chunky pieces of red tomato mixed with small bits of green herbs, and a top layer of browned grilled chicken cubes. The wraps are garnished with chopped green herbs and accompanied by lemon wedges on the side of the plate. In the background, there are blurred bowls containing green herbs and other ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is like putting the cherry on top of these already fantastic tacos. Sprinkle extra chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, or dill for a fragrant lift. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten each bite even more. For an added crunchy contrast, handfuls of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds work wonders.

Side Dishes

Pairing these tacos with simple sides can elevate your entire meal. A crisp Greek salad with olives and a light vinaigrette complements the savory flavors effortlessly. Roasted lemon potatoes or a bowl of warm lentil soup bring a comforting heartiness if you want something more substantial alongside your tacos.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like getting fancy or hosting a taco bar? Lay out all the components separately—warm pitas, cooked chicken, salsa, tzatziki, and garnishes—so everyone can customize their own Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe masterpiece. Serving in mini pita pockets makes for adorable finger food at parties. Or try stacking the ingredients open-faced on toasted pita rounds for a colorful appetizer presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover cooked chicken and salsa can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping components separate preserves freshness, especially so the pita doesn’t get soggy. When ready to eat, simply warm the chicken and pita and assemble with fresh tzatziki.

Freezing

The marinated raw chicken can be frozen before cooking, making meal prep even more convenient. Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as instructed. However, the fresh salsa and tzatziki don’t freeze well, so those are best prepared fresh.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken juicy and avoid drying out. Warming the pita wrapped in foil inside the oven helps it stay soft and pliable. Add fresh salsa and tzatziki after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of pita for this Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe?

Absolutely! While whole wheat pita is traditional and sturdy, you can use flour tortillas, naan, or even lettuce leaves for a lighter option. Just pick something that can hold the fillings without falling apart.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently spicy—the paprika adds warmth without heat. If you like some zip, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or top your tacos with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the pita for gluten-free tortillas or use large lettuce wraps. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free and full of fresh, wholesome ingredients.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?

At least 15 minutes is sufficient to infuse flavor, but 30 to 45 minutes is ideal for juicier, more flavorful meat. If you’re short on time, even giving it a quick toss in the marinade right before cooking will work.

Can I prepare the salsa in advance?

Definitely! The Mediterranean salsa can be prepared up to one day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making your tacos taste even fresher and more vibrant when served.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about enjoying a meal that feels effortlessly fresh, flavorful, and a little bit special—and this Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe hits all those marks perfectly. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to meals as well!