Mediterranean Chicken Tacos

If you want to change up the classic taco, then these Mediterranean Chicken Tacos are just that!

Delicious marinated chicken served with Mediterranean-style salsa in warm pita bread that comes together in less than 30 minutes for an easy, healthy, and super tasty dinner.

Truth be told, these tacos were inspired by leftovers. A couple of days after having this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken, I was trying to think of a way to use the leftovers, and it just so happened to be Tuesday, so tacos were on the menu.

So I crisped the chicken up under the broiler, made a quick salsa inspired by Greek Salad and Israeli salad, and served everything in toasty pita bread with hummus and tzatziki. It was so good, that I knew I had to recreate them but decided to swap in quick skillet chicken to save time.

Why You’ll Love These Mediterranean Chicken Tacos

Trust me when I say these tacos will quickly become a weeknight favorite.

• Quick and easy: Besides marinating, these tacos come together in less than 20 minutes. It’s a great meal for a bus weeknight but special enough for guests.
• Healthy and filling: This meal has lean protein, veggies, and whole grains. Although you could add a side dish, you don’t need one.
• Family-friendly: This meal is easily customized to fit everyone’s needs and preferences. Set up all the taco toppings and let everyone build their perfect bite.

Looking for more Mediterranean-inspired recipes? Try this Greek Chicken, Mediterranean Bowls, or Baked Mediterranean Fish.

Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here is everything you need for these tasty tacos.

• Chicken: I usually make these tacos with boneless, skinless chicken breast, but they are also great with chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, shrimp, salmon, pork tenderloin, and steak. For a vegetarian option, you can swap in canned chickpeas or tofu.
• Mediterranean marinade: To add bright, herby flavors, the chicken is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Swap in red wine vinegar for the lemon juice if you prefer. Add more herbal notes with dill, rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
• Pita bread: Instead of traditional corn or flour tortillas, I make these tacos with pita bread, Lavash wraps, or Naan bread. For the best results, make sure to warm them up, ideally in a hot skillet.
• Veggies: Every good taco needs some salsa. These use a Mediterranean-inspired salsa with cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese.
• Feta cheese: Feta cheese's salty, tangy flavor is so good with these tacos. You could also use crumbled goat cheese, cotija cheese, queso fresco, or skip the cheese for a dairy-free option.
• Tzatziki: Finish these tacos with your favorite Mediterranean-style dip or dressing. I usually add tzatziki, but they also taste amazing with hummus, harissa, zhoug, or romesco.

Mediterranean Taco Topping ideas

There are so many Mediterranean-inspired toppings, salsa, and dressings you can add to these tacos.

• Roasted Red Peper Hummus
• Tzatziki
• Pickled red onions
• Black olives
• Green onions
• Butter lettuce
• Harissa or zhoug
• Romesco
• Roasted red peppers
• Sundried tomatoes
• Artichoke hearts
• Greek dressing
• Hot sauce
• Chickpeas
• Baba ganoush

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Tacos

Follow these easy steps to make these tasty tacos in less than 30 minutes.

1. Marinate the chicken

Start by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Then add the chicken.

Marinate for at least 15 minutes. But not longer than 30-45 minutes, or the lemon will start to break down the chicken, which can lead to a weird texture.

2. Make the Mediterranean salsa

While the chicken marinates, combine the Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, red onions, parsley, feta cheese, and lemon juice. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed.

This salsa is also delicious with fresh dill, mint, or cilantro. It’s also great with some shredded cabbage or crunchy lettuce.

3. Cook the chicken

I usually cook this chicken quickly in a hot skillet. Simply heat a drizzle of olive oil in a heavy skillet. Add the chicken and cook without moving it for 4-5 minutes until it easily releases from the pan. Flip and cook for another couple of minutes until it is lightly browned and cooked through.

This chicken is also delicious on the grill or broiled on skewers in the oven.

4. Assemble the tacos

Heat up your pitas (or whatever you use for the tortillas) so they don’t break. Then, pile in the chicken and salad. Add any additional toppings and a spoonful of tzatziki.

Variations and Recipe Ideas

There are many ways to change this recipe and make it your own.

• Try a different protein: These Mediterranean Tacos taste excellent with shrimp, salmon, steak, canned tuna, or chicken. Always season the protein so it has plenty of flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes, Calabrian chiles, or some harissa paste to the marinade and/or salsa to add a spicy touch to these tacos. They are also so good with zhoug, a spicy cilantro salsa you can find at Trader Joe’s and other specialty markets.
• Serve it as rice bowls: Skip the pita bread and turn this into a delicious grain bowl with steamed rice, lentils, quinoa, farro, cauliflower rice, or even pasta.
• Make low-carb lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken and salsa in lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas or wraps.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap in chickpeas for easy vegetarian tacos. Marinate the chickpeas in the same lemon and garlic mixture. Serve them cold or heat them in a skillet.

Storage and Leftover Ideas

The marinated Mediterranean chicken and cucumber salsa are stored well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just pack them separately and assemble them just before eating. The leftovers can be eaten warmed up or cold.

Use leftovers to make salads, grain bowls, wraps, sandwiches, and more.