Greek chicken meatballs are a healthy and flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Packed with Mediterranean herbs and spices, these juicy meatballs are versatile and pair wonderfully with tzatziki, a fresh salad, or warm pita bread. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re a delicious way to elevate your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and lean: Made with ground chicken for a lighter option.
- Bursting with flavor: Infused with garlic, herbs, and tangy feta cheese.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for a hassle-free meal.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, in wraps, or over rice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken
- Egg
- Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Dried oregano
- Lemon zest
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Directions
- Preheat the oven (if baking):
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the meatballs:
- Use your hands or a scoop to shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a plate or the prepared baking sheet.
- Cook the meatballs:
- To Bake: Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- To Pan-Fry: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for 8–10 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked.
- Serve:
- Serve the meatballs warm with tzatziki sauce, a Greek salad, or over rice or orzo.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: About 20 meatballs
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Turkey or beef: Substitute ground chicken with turkey or lean ground beef.
- Spiced meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Dairy-free: Omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
- Low-carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Herb swap: Replace parsley and dill with fresh mint or basil for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of panko.
2. Can I use pre-ground spices instead of fresh herbs?
Yes, substitute dried parsley and dill with half the amount of fresh.
3. What’s the best way to keep the meatballs moist?
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and include feta cheese and breadcrumbs for moisture.
4. Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, mix the ingredients and refrigerate the uncooked meatballs for up to 24 hours.
5. Can I air fry the meatballs?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking?
Lightly grease your hands when forming the meatballs, and use parchment paper or a non-stick skillet.
7. What’s the best dip for these meatballs?
Tzatziki sauce pairs beautifully, but hummus or garlic yogurt sauce are great alternatives.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd.
9. How do I serve these for a party?
Serve them with toothpicks and a side of tzatziki or on a platter with pita and vegetables.
10. Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
Yes, finely grated zucchini or spinach can be added for extra nutrition.
Conclusion
Greek chicken meatballs are a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main course, appetizer, or snack, these juicy meatballs bring a burst of Mediterranean flavor to the table. Pair them with your favorite sides and dips for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of Greece at home!
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Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Greek Chicken Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like fresh herbs, garlic, and feta cheese. Perfect for meal prep, appetizers, or a healthy dinner, serve them with tzatziki sauce or over a Greek salad for a delicious, balanced meal.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For Serving (Optional):
- Tzatziki sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Greek salad or pita bread
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, dill (if using), oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the Meatballs:
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll into balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake:
- Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Serve:
- Serve the meatballs warm with tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of Greek salad, or stuff them into pita bread for a Mediterranean-style sandwich.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle the meatballs with olive oil before baking.
- Substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- These meatballs freeze well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.