Hello, food lovers! If you’re craving a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s both healthy and delicious, these Greek Chicken Meatballs are a must-try. Packed with Mediterranean spices and paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Introduction
Greek Chicken Meatballs bring together the best of Greek flavors in a bite-sized, savory dish. These meatballs are made with ground chicken and fresh herbs like parsley and mint, along with Mediterranean spices such as cumin and oregano. Baked until golden and served with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, these meatballs make a great addition to any meal. Light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this recipe will bring a taste of Greece right to your table.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs, gather the following ingredients:
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- Olive oil, for cooking
Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients combine to create a deliciously spiced dish complemented by a cool and tangy tzatziki sauce.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs
Follow these simple steps to prepare Greek Chicken Meatballs with a refreshing tzatziki sauce:
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Combine the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring some space between each meatball.
- Bake the Meatballs: Drizzle the meatballs with a little olive oil, then bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, make the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess moisture squeezed out), minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Greek chicken meatballs hot, with the tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with a bit of fresh dill or parsley if desired for added color.
Helpful Tips
- Flavor Boost: For even more flavor, let the meatball mixture chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before shaping and baking.
- Squeeze the Cucumber Well: Removing excess moisture from the grated cucumber helps keep the tzatziki sauce thick and creamy.
- Serving Ideas: Serve with pita bread, a side salad, or over rice for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
Here are some additional tips to make the best Greek Chicken Meatballs:
- Baking vs. Pan-Frying: While baking is a healthier option, you can also pan-fry the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil for a golden crust.
- Binding the Mixture: If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs.
- Tzatziki Variations: Add a touch of olive oil or a sprinkle of chopped mint to your tzatziki for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Greek Chicken Meatballs with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or over a Greek-style salad with olives and feta cheese. These meatballs are also great for meal prepping; pack them with a side of tzatziki for a quick lunch option.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a look at the nutritional content of these Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 5%
- Vitamin C: 10%
- Calcium: 8%
- Iron: 15%
These meatballs provide a good balance of protein and fiber, along with the freshness of herbs and vegetables.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the meatballs in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave on medium heat. The tzatziki sauce is best served fresh, but can be refrigerated and stirred before serving again.
Enjoy any leftover meatballs in a pita wrap or tossed in a Greek salad for a quick, delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well with the Greek flavors in this recipe.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, or try using almond flour as an alternative.
Is there a dairy-free option for the tzatziki sauce?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt to make a dairy-free tzatziki sauce.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like these Mediterranean-inspired dishes:
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers
- Herbed Quinoa with Feta
- Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce
Conclusion
These Greek Chicken Meatballs with tzatziki sauce bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your table in a simple, healthy dish. Perfect for dinner, appetizers, or meal prep, they’re as versatile as they are delicious. Try this recipe and bring a taste of Greece to your kitchen—your family and friends will thank you!