Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe for Dinner Joy

Succulent and aromatic Mediterranean chicken meatballs dance with vibrant flavors that transport you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece and Italy.

Packed with herbs and spices, these delectable bites offer a healthier twist on traditional meatball recipes.

Fresh parsley, garlic, and zesty lemon zest infuse each morsel with incredible depth and complexity.

The lean ground chicken creates a lighter protein option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Perfectly seasoned and effortlessly tender, these meatballs serve as a versatile dish for any meal.

Serve them over warm rice, nestled in a crisp salad, or alongside warm pita bread for a Mediterranean feast that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.

Making Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs the Right Way

• Kitchen Prep Fresh Start

Grab all your delicious ingredients and tools, making sure your cooking space feels organized and inviting. Select a comfortable workspace with good lighting.

• Flavor Fusion

Gently combine ground chicken with herbs, cheese, and vibrant seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl. Use your hands to blend everything smoothly, creating a harmonious mixture that promises incredible taste.

• Meatball Magic

Shape the mixture into perfect round spheres, about the size of a golf ball. Arrange them carefully on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they have a little breathing room between each other.

• Oven Transformation

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven, letting the heat work its transformative magic. Watch as the meatballs turn golden and develop a beautiful, appetizing exterior while staying juicy inside.

• Finishing Touch

Once cooked to perfection, pull out your gorgeous meatballs and add a bright squeeze of fresh lemon. Serve alongside a crisp salad or fluffy rice, ready to delight everyone at the table.

Flavorful Tips for Juicy Chicken Meatballs

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried oregano to the meat mixture for an extra Mediterranean kick.
• Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. They'll absorb more herbs and spices, intensifying the flavor.
• These meatballs freeze beautifully. Place cooked and cooled meatballs in a freezer bag for quick meals up to 3 months later. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Zesty Platter Presentation: Arrange the golden-brown meatballs on a large wooden board, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant, restaurant-style display.
• Greek-Inspired Mezze Spread: Serve alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, hummus, and a crisp cucumber salad to create a complete Mediterranean dining experience that celebrates bold flavors.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Layer fluffy couscous or quinoa as a base, nestle the meatballs on top, and drizzle with a light yogurt sauce and extra herbs for a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement these savory meatballs with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the dish's Mediterranean essence and elevate your dining moment.

Keeping Meatballs Fresh for the Week

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the meatball recipe and freeze half for quick future meals. Simply arrange uncooked meatballs on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for easy storage up to 3 months.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store cooked meatballs in airtight containers within the refrigerator. They'll stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days, making perfect lunch or dinner leftovers that taste just as good as the first serving.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated meatballs gently in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack meatballs with Mediterranean salad or rice in meal prep containers. Keep dressing separate to maintain crisp ingredients. These protein-packed meals stay tasty and fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, offering convenient healthy lunch options.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 170 kcal

Servings: 19

Ingredients in Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken or Ground Turkey: Lean protein base that provides a lighter alternative to red meat, ensuring tender and juicy meatballs.
• Egg: Crucial for holding the meatball mixture together and adding moisture.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy bursts that infuse Mediterranean richness into the meatballs.
• Garlic, Green Onions, Fresh Parsley: Aromatic herbs and alliums that create a vibrant, zesty flavor profile.
• Lemon: Bright citrus accent that adds freshness and balances the savory elements.

• Whole Wheat Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides light, crispy texture and helps absorb moisture.
• Feta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami-rich cheeses that add complex tangy notes and creamy texture.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify and harmonize the overall taste.

Tools for Rolling and Roasting Chicken Meatballs

• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Baking sheet: Flat pan for even cooking and crispy meatball exteriors.
• Parchment paper: Non-stick liner preventing meatballs from sticking.
• Meat scoop or small ice cream scoop: Creates uniform 2-inch meatballs quickly.
• Cutting board: Surface for chopping herbs and green onions.
• Sharp knife: Helps mince garlic and chop herbs finely.

Succulent Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 19 1x

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Description

Savory Mediterranean chicken meatballs bring zesty flavors from Greece and Lebanon to dinner tables. Herbed ground chicken, garlic, and spices meld perfectly, offering a delicious twist you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken or ground turkey
• ¼ cup (60 ml) feta cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml) parmesan cheese
• 1 whole egg
• ¼ cup (60 ml) whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Squeeze of lemon, optional

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F (200°C), center the rack, and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cooking and cleanup.
2. Mixing: In a spacious bowl, amalgamate ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, parmesan, garlic, green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. Blend thoroughly with hands or wooden spoon, ensuring uniform distribution without compressing the meat excessively.
3. Shaping: Utilize a cookie scoop or moistened hands to craft uniform meatballs, rolling them into smooth 2-inch spheres that maintain structural integrity.
4. Roasting: Strategically place meatballs on the prepared sheet, maintaining slight separation to facilitate even heat circulation and consistent caramelization. Bake for 20-25 minutes, midway rotating the pan to guarantee comprehensive cooking.
5. Finishing: Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F, then extract from oven and allow brief resting. Optionally, enhance with a zesty lemon juice drizzle to elevate the Mediterranean flavor profile.
6. Serving: Present immediately alongside a crisp salad or fragrant rice pilaf, transforming these succulent meatballs into a complete, vibrant dining experience.

Notes

• Prevent Tough Meatballs: Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the texture tender and juicy. Gentle mixing preserves the meat’s delicate structure.
• Moisture is Key: Using a moist ingredient like sun-dried tomatoes and egg helps bind the meatballs while keeping them succulent and flavorful.
• Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meatballs without drying out.
• Space for Success: Leaving room between meatballs on the baking sheet allows hot air to circulate, creating an evenly browned and crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 19
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg