Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe: A Perfect Family Dinner

Greek chicken meatballs burst with vibrant Mediterranean zest, revolutionizeing ordinary poultry into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Fragrant herbs and crumbled cheese elevate these protein-packed delights beyond standard appetizer fare.

Lean ground chicken serves as the perfect canvas for bold, sun-drenched flavors that dance across your palate.

Garlic and oregano weave their aromatic magic, creating a sensory journey reminiscent of coastal Greek tavernas.

Each compact morsel promises a delightful balance of tender texture and robust seasoning.

Bright lemon notes cut through the richness, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the savory ingredients.

Small yet mighty, these meatballs can headline a meal or complement a crisp salad with equal finesse.

How to Make Juicy and Flavorful Greek Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat oven to 425°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Egg
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Red onion
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix until ingredients are just combined.

Step 3: Shape Meatballs

Form 18-20 meatballs, placing them evenly on prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake Meatballs

Bake in oven for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

Stovetop Method:

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs on all sides for 3 minutes, then reduce heat and cook for additional 10 minutes.

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat air fryer to 380°F, spray basket with non-stick spray, cook meatballs for 8-12 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Prepare Tzatziki

Grate cucumber and remove excess water. Mix with remaining tzatziki ingredients in bowl. Refrigerate until serving.

Step 6: Assemble Salad

• Romaine lettuce base
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Olives
• Red onion
• Feta cheese

Top with meatballs and drizzle tzatziki sauce over the salad.

Expert Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Meatballs Every Time

• Moisture Magic: Squeeze grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water, ensuring your tzatziki stays thick and creamy.
• Binding Brilliance: Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko to help meatballs hold together and prevent dryness during cooking.
• Temperature Precision: Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked at 165°F.
• Flavor Boost: Gently mix meatball ingredients to avoid overworking the meat, which can make them tough and dense.
• Prep Shortcut: Form meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them maintain shape during cooking.

Enjoying Leftovers of Greek Chicken Meatballs

• Refrigeration: Store meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Seal containers tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve moisture and prevent toughness.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

Best Sides to Pair with Greek Chicken Meatballs

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the herb-infused chicken meatballs. These Greek wines cut through the richness while highlighting the fresh Mediterranean flavors.
• Match with Greek Salad Sides: Serve alongside traditional horiatiki salad or warm pita bread. These classic accompaniments enhance the meatballs' zesty profile and provide delightful textural contrast.
• Cool Down with Refreshing Drink: Enjoy a frosty glass of ouzo or a light Greek beer like Mythos. These beverages balance the savory meatballs and cleanse the palate with their crisp, clean finish.
• Create Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Add hummus, dolmades, and grilled halloumi cheese to create a full Greek-inspired feast. This approach transforms the meatballs into a social, shareable dining experience that celebrates Mediterranean culinary traditions.

Fresh Takes on Greek Chicken Meatballs

• Mediterranean Meatball Wrap: Swap salad base with warm pita bread, roll meatballs inside with tzatziki, fresh cucumber slices, and crumbled feta for a handheld Greek-inspired meal.
• Zesty Quinoa Bowl: Replace romaine lettuce with protein-packed quinoa, add roasted red peppers, and sprinkle za'atar spice over meatballs for extra Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Greek Slider Version: Miniaturize meatballs, serve on small slider buns with spicy harissa tzatziki, pickled red onions, and fresh arugula for a cocktail party appetizer.
• Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Crumble meatballs into bell peppers, top with tzatziki and extra feta, then bake until peppers are tender for a complete one-dish meal.

Greek Chicken Meatballs: Tender, Flavor-Packed Perfection

• Savor Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a zesty Greek-inspired dish bursting with aromatic herbs, garlic, and traditional Mediterranean ingredients that transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece.
• Enjoy Versatile Cooking Options: Flexibility is key with this recipe, offering three convenient cooking methods – oven, stovetop, and air fryer – making it perfect for home cooks with different kitchen setups and preferences.
• Boost Protein-Packed Nutrition: Packed with a whopping 40g of protein per serving, these chicken meatballs provide a lean, healthy meal that keeps you satisfied and supports muscle health without compromising on incredible taste.
• Experience Quick and Easy Preparation: From mixing ingredients to serving, this recipe takes just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy individuals craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Must-Have Ingredients for Greek Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that creates the foundation of the meatballs, best when fresh and not too watery.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatballs together and adds moisture to the mixture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy crumbs that help hold the meatballs shape and add texture.

• Red Onion, Garlic: Provide sharp, aromatic flavor and depth to the meatball mixture.
• Parsley, Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean taste and freshness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.

• Cucumber: Fresh vegetable that provides crunch and cooling element to the tzatziki and salad.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for tzatziki that adds tangy flavor and smooth texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, Red Onion: Colorful salad ingredients that bring brightness and Mediterranean flavors.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp base for the salad that adds nutritional value and freshness.
• Feta Cheese: Salty, creamy cheese that adds richness and traditional Greek character.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adds smooth, rich flavor to the dish.

Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek chicken meatballs offer a Mediterranean culinary journey with zesty herbs and tangy tzatziki. Juicy, perfectly seasoned meat combines classic Greek flavors that will transport diners straight to a charming Athens taverna.

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Ingredients

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Primary Protein and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken (93% lean)
• 1 large egg

Herbs, Spices, and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Structural and Additional Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
• ⅓ cup red onion, diced
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salad Base Ingredients:

• 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

Tzatziki Ingredients:

• 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 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
2. Combine ground chicken, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, finely diced red onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl, gently mixing until ingredients are just incorporated.
3. Using clean hands or a small scoop, shape the meat mixture into 18-20 uniform meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to promote proper heat circulation.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing fully cooked chicken.
6. For stovetop cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear meatballs on all sides for 3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then reduce heat and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Alternative air fryer method: Preheat to 380°F (193°C), lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray, and cook meatballs for 8-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. Prepare tzatziki by grating cucumber and thoroughly removing excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
9. Combine grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl, mixing well.
10. Refrigerate tzatziki for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
11. Assemble salad by creating a base of crisp romaine lettuce in individual serving bowls.
12. Top lettuce with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
13. Place freshly cooked meatballs on top of the salad and generously drizzle with prepared tzatziki sauce before serving.

Notes

• Explore the vibrant Mediterranean flavors packed into these juicy chicken meatballs bursting with fresh herbs and zesty seasonings.
• Customize the recipe by swapping ground chicken with turkey or lamb for a unique protein twist that keeps dinner exciting.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store meatballs in the refrigerator for up to two days, making weeknight meals a breeze.
• Achieve perfect meatball texture by gently mixing ingredients and avoiding overworking the meat, which can lead to tough results.
• Maximize flavor by using fresh herbs like parsley and oregano instead of dried alternatives for a more authentic Greek taste profile.
• Serve these protein-packed meatballs over salad, in pita wraps, or alongside roasted vegetables for a versatile meal option.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 150mg