Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe: A Mediterranean Delight

Succulent and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, these Greek chicken meatballs bring a taste of the Aegean to your dinner table.

Herbs and spices dance through each tender bite, creating a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to a sun-drenched Greek taverna.

Zesty garlic, fresh parsley, and aromatic oregano infuse these delicate morsels with authentic Mediterranean charm.

Ground chicken serves as the perfect canvas for these vibrant seasonings, promising a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Each meatball delivers a punch of flavor that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this delightful recipe and let your taste buds embark on a culinary journey through Greece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that creates a light, tender meatball with lower fat content.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to prevent dry meatballs.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates airy texture and helps hold meatballs together; gluten-free options available.

• Red Onion, Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic depth and classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley, Dried Oregano: Brings bright herbal notes and traditional Greek seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate and balance overall taste.

• Romaine Hearts, Cherry Tomatoes, English Cucumber: Fresh, crisp base with vibrant colors and refreshing textures.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny, intense Mediterranean flavor that adds complexity to the salad.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, pungent crunch and additional layer of flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy element that adds richness and authentic Greek character.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy, protein-rich base with signature tanginess.
• Cucumber: Adds cool, refreshing moisture and light crunch.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and adds subtle citrus notes.
• Garlic, Fresh Dill: Introduces robust, aromatic elements to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances overall sauce flavor.

Must-Have Tools for Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs

• Baking Sheet: Essential for evenly cooking meatballs in the oven.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Grater: Needed to prepare cucumber for tzatziki sauce.
• Skillet: Alternative cooking method for stovetop preparation.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: For chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.

Steps to Prepare Greek Chicken Meatballs at Home

• Meatball Preparation Gathering the vibrant ingredients that will transform simple ground chicken into a culinary delight. Select fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and quality chicken to create an authentic Greek-inspired experience.
• Mixing Magic Blend ground chicken with fragrant herbs, minced garlic, and finely chopped red onion. Incorporate eggs and breadcrumbs to ensure the meatballs hold their perfect shape and capture maximum flavor.
• Cooking Techniques Choose your preferred method – oven, stovetop, or air fryer. Each approach offers a unique texture and allows the meatballs to develop a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
• Tzatziki Creation Craft a cooling sauce by grating fresh cucumber and combining with creamy yogurt. This classic Greek condiment will elevate the entire dish with its refreshing and tangy profile.
• Salad Assembly Transform a simple plate into a Mediterranean masterpiece. Layer crisp romaine, scatter colorful tomatoes, sprinkle briny olives, and crown with your perfectly cooked meatballs. Drizzle generously with homemade tzatziki for a burst of authentic flavor.

Tips to Perfect Your Greek Chicken Meatball Flavor

• Choose ground chicken with a bit of fat (80/20 ratio) for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won't dry out during cooking.
• Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal to make the recipe celiac-friendly and add extra nutty texture.
• Experiment with fresh mint or dill in the tzatziki for a bright, unexpected flavor twist that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a subtle kick that transforms the classic Greek profile.
• Transform extra meatballs into a pita wrap or stuff them into a Mediterranean-style sandwich for a quick next-day lunch that'll keep everyone excited.

Serving Greek Chicken Meatballs in Creative Ways

• Mediterranean Feast Plate: Create a vibrant Greek-inspired platter with warm pita bread, extra feta cheese crumbles, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs surrounding the meatballs.
• Wrap Wonder: Stuff these juicy meatballs inside soft warm pita or flatbread with crisp lettuce, tzatziki sauce, and a handful of diced cucumbers for a portable meal.
• Grain Bowl Delight: Serve meatballs over fluffy quinoa or fragrant rice, topped with tzatziki, adding roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Party Appetizer Style: Arrange meatballs on a wooden board with toothpicks, surrounded by tzatziki dipping sauce, olives, and small chunks of feta cheese for an easy entertaining option.

Best Storage Tips for Greek Chicken Meatballs

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cooked meatballs in airtight containers within the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs flat in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months, creating convenient meal prep options for busy weeks.
• Prep-Ahead Magic: Prepare meatball mixture and tzatziki sauce a day before cooking, allowing flavors to develop and saving valuable time during meal preparation.
• Quick Reheat Techniques: Warm refrigerated meatballs gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or microwave at 50% power to maintain moisture and prevent toughening.

Savory Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean kitchens celebrate Aegean-inspired Greek chicken meatballs as a delightful fusion of herbs and spices. Succulent meat blend with tzatziki sauce and fresh pita creates an authentic Greek dining experience you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken (93% lean)
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
• ⅓ cup red onion, diced
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 hearts romaine, chopped
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium English cucumber, diced
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (0%, 2%, or 5%)
• ½ cup cucumber, grated on a box grater
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking and easy cleanup.
2. Mixing Meatballs: In a large bowl, blend ground chicken, egg, panko, red onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing gently until ingredients are just combined.
3. Shaping: Form the mixture into 18-20 uniform meatballs using hands or a small scoop, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Baking: Arrange meatballs on the prepared sheet with spacing to allow proper heat circulation, then roast for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Alternative Cooking Methods: For stovetop, sear meatballs in olive oil over medium-high heat for 3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then reduce heat and cook for 10 additional minutes. In an air fryer, cook at 380°F (193°C) for 8-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. Tzatziki Preparation: Grate cucumber and remove excess moisture using a kitchen towel. Mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
7. Chilling Sauce: Refrigerate tzatziki for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
8. Salad Assembly: Layer romaine lettuce in serving bowls, topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
9. Serving: Place hot meatballs on the salad and generously drizzle with prepared tzatziki sauce before presenting.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Gently mix meatball ingredients to prevent dense, tough texture and overmixing of ground chicken.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.
• Tzatziki Tip: Squeeze cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and maintain creamy, thick consistency.
• Cooking Flexibility: Choose between oven, stovetop, or air fryer methods based on kitchen equipment and personal preference.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg