If you’ve been searching for a quick and delicious way to enliven your dinner routine, look no further than these amazing Greek Chicken Meatballs. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, you’ll love how these little gems blend perfectly with tangy tzatziki and fresh veggies. They’re a delight that’s sure to become a staple for your weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: Packed with herbs like dill and mint, these meatballs are a savory delight.
- Quick and Simple: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, it’s easy to whip these up even on a busy evening.
- Versatile: Enjoy them in pita wraps, over rice, or on a fresh salad for a delicious meal.
- Healthy and Light: Made with lean ground chicken, they offer a nutritious alternative to traditional meatball recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these delightful Greek Chicken Meatballs requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the dish’s vibrant flavors. From the aromatic herbs to the zesty lemon, these components work in harmony for a truly pleasing result.
- Ground Chicken: Provides a lighter, leaner base for the meatballs.
- Fresh Herbs (Dill and Mint): Give the meatballs their distinct Mediterranean character.
- Red Onion and Garlic: Add a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Infuses them with a refreshing citrusy tang.
- Olive Oil: Essential for frying, lending a beautiful golden crust to the meatballs.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on these Greek Chicken Meatballs. With a few tweaks, you can customize this recipe to better fit your preferences or dietary needs. The possibilities are mouthwateringly endless!
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs if needed.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with parsley or cilantro for a different twist on flavor.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, herbs, onion, garlic, and seasonings. Using your hands ensures the ingredients are well incorporated—like kneading dough, but more fun!
Step 2: Form Meatballs
Roll the mixture into meatballs using a cookie scoop or your hands. Aim for even sizes to ensure consistent cooking throughout.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Consistent Sizes: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform meatballs for even cooking.
- One Pan Wonder: Cook meatballs in batches in the same skillet to save time and enhance flavor.
- Flavor Infusion: Mix herbs and spices thoroughly with the meat to ensure each meatball bursts with taste.
- Golden Finish: Searing meatballs before finishing them off at a lower heat locks in moisture and flavor beautifully.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
Top these Greek Chicken Meatballs with crumbled feta and fresh herbs for an authentic touch. A squeeze of lemon juice will enhance their Mediterranean allure splendidly.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with a simple Greek salad, fragrant white rice, or served alongside warm pita bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, thread the meatballs onto skewers with tomatoes and cucumbers or arrange them atop a vibrant bed of chopped romaine for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make fantastic leftovers for quick lunches!
Freezing
Freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, place the meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, roughly 15 minutes, or microwave them on a plate until hot.
FAQs
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Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, or freeze them for longer storage.
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What can I use as a substitute for ground chicken?
Ground turkey or beef can be used as alternatives, although this will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the meatballs.
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What is the best way to ensure the meatballs are cooked through?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure doneness—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes. They’ll retain moisture and have a more uniform color.
Final Thoughts
Go ahead and try these Greek Chicken Meatballs—you’ll quickly see how they become a favorite in your household. With their robust flavors and easy preparation, they’re sure to bring a warm Mediterranean touch to your dinner table. Happy cooking, my friend!
Print
Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 meatballs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Enjoy these flavorful Greek Chicken Meatballs packed with fresh herbs and spices, served with a refreshing array of toppings and sides for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for frying
For Serving
- chopped romaine
- feta, for serving li>cucumber, sliced
- tomato, chopped
- white rice, cooked
- tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: Add the ground chicken, salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, dill, mint, red onion, garlic, and lemon zest to a small mixing bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly combine all ingredients until well integrated.
- Scoop and form meatballs: Using a cookie dough scoop or tablespoon, portion out the mixture, then gently form each into a meatball shape with your hands. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Cook meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm. Place the meatballs in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked meatballs over chopped romaine lettuce along with feta, cucumber slices, chopped tomato, cooked white rice, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a vibrant, complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Feel free to bake the meatballs at 375°F for 20-25 minutes if preferred over stovetop frying.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can be used but may alter the taste slightly.
- Serve with additional lemon wedges for extra brightness.
- The recipe yields approximately 40 small meatballs, enough for 4-5 servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (about 100 grams)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 20 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
