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Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Tacos

zesty Mediterranean chicken tacos recipe - featured image

These zesty Mediterranean chicken tacos feature a bright lemon and oregano marinade, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 12 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 810 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 1-2 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. While the chicken marinates, dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red onion (if using), and chop fresh parsley or cilantro. Set aside.
  4. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces (discard excess marinade) and cook for 5-6 minutes per side if whole breasts, or 4-5 minutes if sliced, until cooked through and slightly charred. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes.
  6. Assemble tacos by placing chicken on each tortilla, topping with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, tzatziki sauce, and fresh herbs.
  7. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours or overnight for best flavor. Use a hot pan to sear chicken and avoid overcrowding. Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices. Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent tearing. Homemade tzatziki is quick and enhances flavor but store-bought works well too.

Nutrition

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