Greek Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and infused with a delightful blend of herbs and spices. Theyโre perfect for meal prep, parties, or as a family dinner thatโs quick and easy to whip up.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Protein-Packed: Made with lean ground chicken and wholesome ingredients.
- Bursting with Flavor: Infused with garlic, herbs, and spices typical of Greek cuisine.
- Versatile: Serve them in a pita, on a salad, or with your favorite sides.
- Easy to Make: A simple recipe that comes together in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: A hit for picky eaters and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken
- Onion (grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Fresh dill (chopped)
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked (about 8โ10 minutes). Alternatively, bake them at 375ยฐF for 20โ25 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or over a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 4โ6 servings (makes around 20 meatballs)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Stuffed: Add a cube of feta cheese in the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise.
- Turkey Option: Swap the chicken for ground turkey.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Baked Meatballs: For a lighter option, bake the meatballs instead of frying.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350ยฐF until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly and offers a similar flavor profile.
2. Can these meatballs be baked instead of pan-fried?
Absolutely! Bake them at 375ยฐF for 20โ25 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well-combined, and donโt skip the egg and breadcrumbs as they act as binders.
4. What sauces pair well with Greek chicken meatballs?
Tzatziki sauce is the classic choice, but you can also use hummus or a tahini-based sauce.
5. Can I freeze the meatballs before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze them raw. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.
6. How do I make these meatballs dairy-free?
Simply avoid stuffing them with cheese and ensure your breadcrumbs are dairy-free.
7. Are these meatballs keto-friendly?
Swap the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make them keto-friendly.
8. Can I make these meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture or shape the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
9. What can I serve with these meatballs for a full meal?
Serve them with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of rice or couscous.
10. Can I air-fry these meatballs?
Yes, air fry at 375ยฐF for about 10โ12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Meatballs are a versatile, healthy, and flavorful dish thatโs perfect for any occasion. Whether youโre looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep solution, or an appetizer for a gathering, these meatballs deliver every time. Try them today and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!
PrintGreek Chicken Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Chicken Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and packed with Mediterranean herbs and spices. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a mezze platter, these meatballs pair wonderfully with tzatziki, pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pita bread or naan
- Fresh Greek salad
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients: ground chicken, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, egg, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form 1-inch meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF).
- Serve warm with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can sear the meatballs in a skillet with a little olive oil before baking.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and frozen. Reheat in the oven at 375ยฐF for 10-12 minutes.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey for chicken.
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