Greek Chicken Meatballs

Greek Chicken Meatballs are a delightful blend of tender ground chicken and vibrant, fresh flavors that transport you straight to a sun-soaked Mediterranean tavern. These meatballs are not just another ordinary dish; their unique combination of feta cheese, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of taste in every bite. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, you’ll quickly find it hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds).

Greek Chicken Meatballs

I remember the first time I made Greek Chicken Meatballs for a gathering—friends were raving about them, and I was instantly dubbed the “Meatball Maven” of the group! They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively party. Easy to whip up and sure to impress, this recipe easily becomes a go-to for crowd-pleasing appetizers or main courses. Don’t miss out on the chance to bring a taste of Greece into your kitchen—you’re going to love it!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Quick: Ready in just about an hour—great for weeknight dinners!
  • Irresistible Flavor: The harmonious blend of herbs and feta creates a mouthwatering experience.
  • Eye-Catching Appeal: Perfectly browned meatballs served with creamy tzatziki look stunning on any table.
  • Flexible Serving: Great as an appetizer, main dish, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
  • Diet-Friendly Options: Adaptable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and can be made low-fat by substituting lean ground turkey.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 lbs ground chicken: Lean and flavorful, the base for our meatballs. If you prefer a richer taste, ground turkey or a mixture of chicken and beef can be great alternatives.
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned dry breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs a delightful texture. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
  • 2/3 cup finely crumbled feta cheese: Add a salty, creamy element. Make sure it’s well-crumbled for the best blending; other cheeses won’t offer the same tangy flavor.
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: These help bind the mixture together while keeping the meatballs moist.
  • 4 medium garlic cloves, finely minced: Fresh garlic provides a robust, aromatic flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste!
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion: Adds a sweet and mild crunch; yellow onions can also work if you prefer.
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the meatballs and enhances their Mediterranean character. Cilantro could be a fun twist!
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill: Essential for that fresh herbaceous taste. Dried dill can be used in a pinch, but fresh is ideal.
  • 2 tsp garlic salt: Infuses the meatball mixture with deep garlic flavor. Reduce this if you’re watching your sodium intake.
  • 2 tsp dried oregano: A must-have herb for Greek dishes; it provides aromatic flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper: For a subtle kick.
  • 1/2 tsp lemon pepper: Lends a refreshing zesty note and complements the chicken beautifully.
  • 4 tbsp olive oil: Enhances moisture and flavor; coconut or avocado oil are suitable substitutes for different flavor profiles.

For the homemade tzatziki sauce:

  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base of tzatziki offers a perfect tang. Opt for full-fat for creaminess or low-fat for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry: Bring a refreshing crunch; always squeeze to remove excess water for the best sauce texture.
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill: Echoes the flavors in the meatballs while adding freshness.
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice: Offers acidity and brightness.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil: Improves texture; choose extra virgin for the best flavor.
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
  • 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness.
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp black pepper: Adjust to your preference for spice.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 lbs ground chicken, 1 cup Italian seasoned dry breadcrumbs, 2/3 cup finely crumbled feta cheese, 2 large lightly beaten eggs, 4 medium finely minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup finely diced red onion, 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley, 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tsp garlic salt, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp lemon pepper. Mix until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.

  2. Shape Meatballs: Using a meatball scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Lightly wetting your hands can help prevent sticking.

  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs to the skillet in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

    Alternatively, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet pan, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. If you want that extra browning, broil them for a minute or two at the end.

  4. Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 1 cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry), 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust lemon or salt to your liking, then stir until smooth. Refrigerate the tzatziki until ready to use.

  5. Serve & Garnish: Once cooked, garnish your meatballs with additional fresh dill. Serve with toothpicks and the tzatziki sauce for dipping—it’s a perfect pairing!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Greek Chicken Meatballs can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours. For longer storage, refrigerate the meatballs in an airtight container for up to three days. Alternatively, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a sealed bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Note that the texture may change slightly, so a quick drizzle of olive oil before reheating can help refresh their moistness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  • For the best flavor, let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before cooking.
  • Use a scoop for uniform meatballs; they’ll cook evenly this way.
  • When testing meatballs for doneness, cut one in half to check for internal color.
  • If using frozen meatballs, they can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to ensure they’re cooked through.
  • Always taste your tzatziki sauce before serving—adjust seasonings according to your preferences!

Greek Chicken Meatballs offer a wonderful opportunity to explore flavors and techniques that will elevate your cooking. Each bite is a reminder of sunny days and communal meals—perfect to share with loved ones. As you experiment, consider trying different herbs or spices that make this dish your own. Let this recipe bring a delightful twist to your dinner table!

Greek Chicken Meatballs

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Greek Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just form the meatballs right before cooking for the best flavor and texture.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the Greek Chicken Meatballs gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of traditional ones. This substitution will still yield delicious results!

What’s the best way to serve meatballs?

These meatballs are perfect for parties—just serve them with toothpicks and a bowl of tzatziki sauce. They also pair beautifully with a side salad or rice for a complete meal.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
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Greek-Chicken-Meatballs-Recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs

Recipe Author: Sara

Enjoy Greek Chicken Meatballs that are bursting with flavor! Made with ground chicken, feta, and fresh herbs, these meatballs are perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy meal. Serve them with homemade tzatziki sauce for an amazing taste experience.

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  • Prep Time 20 minutes
  • Cook Time 45 minutes
  • Yield 60 meatballs 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground chicken
  • 1 cup italian seasoned dry breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
  • 2/3 cup finely crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 4 medium garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tsp garlic salt
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp lemon pepper
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • homemade tzatziki sauce:
  • 2 cups plain greek yogurt
  • 1 cup grated cucumber squeezed dry
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp black pepper


Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, feta, lightly beaten eggs, red onion, parsley, dill, oregano, garlic salt, black pepper, and lemon pepper until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using a meatball scoop.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Broil at the end for extra browning if desired.
  4. For the tzatziki sauce, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Garnish meatballs with fresh dill and serve with picks and tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Notes

Make sure to squeeze the cucumber thoroughly to avoid watery tzatziki.
These meatballs can be baked or pan-fried based on your preference.
Served warm with tzatziki sauce enhances the flavor.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 meatball
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

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