Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

The Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe Everyone Loves

Mediterranean chicken tacos spark culinary adventures with their vibrant fusion of flavors and textures.

Crisp tortillas cradle tender spiced meat packed with zesty herbs and bold seasonings.

Bright ingredients like tangy feta, refreshing cucumber, and kalamata olives create a delightful twist on traditional taco styles.

Fresh herbs and citrus zest add unexpected complexity to each delectable bite.

Quick marinades infuse the chicken with authentic Mediterranean profiles that dance across your palate.

Sumac and oregano contribute robust undertones that complement the succulent protein perfectly.

You’ll absolutely love how these tacos combine international influences into one irresistible meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

What’s So Great About Mediterranean Chicken Tacos

  • Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a culinary journey that combines zesty chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy yogurt sauce for an explosion of authentic Mediterranean tastes.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy families seeking delicious and nutritious dinner options.
  • Customize Your Taco Experience: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels, making it a versatile dish that caters to different preferences and dietary needs.
  • Nutritious and Balanced Meal: Pack your plate with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and light dairy, creating a wholesome dinner that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating goals.

Everything That Goes In Mediterranean Chicken Tacos

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the primary filling for the Mediterranean-style tacos.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A flavorful mix that creates a delicious and aromatic coating for the chicken.
Fresh Salsa Components:
  • Cucumber, Tomato, Red Onion, Parsley: A crisp and vibrant vegetable mixture that adds freshness and texture to the tacos.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Greek Yogurt, Lemon Juice: A tangy and creamy sauce that provides a bright and cool contrast to the seasoned chicken.
Taco Assembly:
  • Tortillas: A soft and flexible base that holds all the delicious Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
Optional Toppings:
  • Feta Cheese, Jalapeños: Additional ingredients that offer extra flavor and a spicy kick to personalize the tacos.

How To Make Mediterranean Chicken Tacos From Scratch

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken

Create an exciting flavor blend by combining chicken pieces with:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage the spices into the chicken to ensure every piece is perfectly coated.

Step 2: Sear The Protein

Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature. Drop the marinated chicken into the hot pan and cook for 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to develop beautiful golden-brown edges. Ensure chicken reaches complete doneness with no pink centers.

Step 3: Create Fresh Salsa

Chop and combine:
  • Cucumber
  • Tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Fresh parsley

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently toss ingredients to maintain crisp vegetable texture.

Step 4: Craft Zesty Yogurt Sauce

Whisk together Greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

Step 5: Warm Tortilla Shells

Quickly heat tortillas in the same skillet used for chicken. Flip after 15-20 seconds on each side to create soft, pliable shells.

Step 6: Build Delicious Tacos

Layer each tortilla with:
  • Cooked chicken
  • Fresh salsa
  • Yogurt sauce

Step 7: Add Gourmet Toppings

Sprinkle with:
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Sliced jalapeños

Step 8: Serve With Excitement

Plate immediately and savor these vibrant Mediterranean-inspired tacos!

Tips For Making Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Smoother

  • Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance spice absorption and tenderness.
  • Select Perfect Tortillas: Choose soft corn or flour tortillas and warm them briefly to prevent cracking and improve texture.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust Greek yogurt sauce thickness by adding more lemon juice or a splash of water for ideal drizzling.
  • Chop Veggies Uniformly: Dice salsa ingredients into similar small sizes to ensure balanced flavor and easy eating in each bite.
  • Manage Spice Levels: Customize heat by adding more or less jalapeños, or substituting with milder peppers for sensitive palates.

Tasty Spins On Mediterranean Chicken Tacos

  • Vegetarian Mediterranean Tacos: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted chickpeas seasoned with same Mediterranean spices for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
  • Gluten-Free Taco Version: Use corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas to make the recipe completely gluten-free while maintaining authentic Mediterranean flavors.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Tacos: Add harissa paste to the chicken marinade and include sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for those who love extra heat in their meal.
  • Low-Carb Mediterranean Wrap: Skip tortillas and serve the chicken, salsa, and sauce inside large lettuce leaves for a carbohydrate-reduced alternative that keeps all the original recipe's vibrant tastes.

Sides That Work With Mediterranean Chicken Tacos

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that perfectly complements the Mediterranean chicken's bright flavors and cuts through the yogurt sauce's richness.
  • Complement with Greek Salad: Create a light side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil and herbs to enhance the taco's Mediterranean profile and add refreshing texture.
  • Match with Herbal Tzatziki Dip: Prepare a cool tzatziki sauce with extra herbs like dill or mint to provide a tangy, creamy accompaniment that elevates the taco's spice blend and adds moisture.

How To Keep Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Fresh

  • Store cooked chicken, salsa, and sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap cooled chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Place in freezer for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even heating. Alternatively, use a skillet on medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness.

FAQs About Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Answered

  • Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with ground turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe is mild, but you can add heat by including jalapeños or increasing paprika. If you want more spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

  • Do I need any special kitchen equipment?

No special equipment is required. A regular skillet, cutting board, and basic kitchen utensils are all you need to make these Mediterranean Chicken Tacos.

  • How healthy are these tacos?

These tacos are quite nutritious. They feature lean protein, fresh vegetables, and yogurt sauce, making them a balanced meal with good protein, low fat, and fresh ingredients.

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Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Tacos Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with these mouthwatering Mediterranean Chicken Tacos that blend zesty spices and fresh ingredients. Delightful flavors dance across your palate, inviting you to explore a culinary journey of Mediterranean-inspired comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breast, diced

Salt and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) olive oil

Fresh Vegetables and Taco Components:

  • 4 whole wheat tortillas
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Sauce and Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) lemon juice
  • Optional: Feta cheese
  • Optional: Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Blend chicken with a robust mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until spices thoroughly coat each piece.
  2. Activate a skillet over medium-high heat, then introduce seasoned chicken. Cook approximately 6-8 minutes, rotating periodically, ensuring golden exterior and completely opaque interior.
  3. Simultaneously craft salsa by combining diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and parsley. Season lightly with salt and pepper, gently tossing ingredients to maintain fresh texture.
  4. Create tangy yogurt sauce by whisking Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to personal preference, ensuring smooth consistency.
  5. Quickly warm tortillas in the same skillet for roughly 30 seconds per side, rendering them soft and malleable for easy folding.
  6. Construct tacos by centering cooked chicken within each tortilla, generously topping with prepared salsa and drizzling lemon yogurt sauce.
  7. Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese and optional sliced jalapeños for additional complexity and heat.
  8. Present tacos immediately while ingredients remain warm, guaranteeing optimal taste and textural experience.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian version that maintains the Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance deeper, more complex taste and ensure maximum tenderness.
  • Use whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps to make the recipe lower in carbohydrates and suitable for different dietary needs.
  • Prepare extra sauce and salsa separately to allow family members or guests to customize their tacos according to personal preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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