Name: Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground chicken 99/1; 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs (28g); 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped; 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp. dried oregano; 1/2 tsp. ground cumin; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. black pepper; 1 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt (224g); 1/2 cup cucumber, finely grated and drained (84g); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Tbsp. lemon juice; 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp. dried dill); 1 Tbsp. olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 1/2 cups cucumber, chopped (200g); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced lengthwise (80g); 1/2 cup fat-free feta cheese (56g); 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil; 1 Tbsp. lemon juice; 1/2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar; Pinch of salt; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 55 reviews

If you have been craving something vibrant, wholesome, and bursting with fresh flavors, the Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken meatballs infused with fragrant herbs, a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, and a crisp Greek salad all nestled together over a bed of brown rice and romaine lettuce. Each bite brings the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and refreshing elements, making these bowls a go-to meal for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend dinners. I absolutely love how effortlessly this dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in a single bowl, making it both practical and unbelievably delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there are eight separate layers of ingredients arranged without mixing. Starting from the top left, there is a small pile of finely chopped purple onion, next to it is a large mound of bright green chopped parsley. Below the parsley is a lighter pink layer of raw ground meat, with a small dollop of pale yellow minced garlic on top. To the left of the garlic is a pile of fine yellow breadcrumbs. Above the breadcrumbs and below the onion is a green, herb-like dry spice. Between the green spice and the raw meat is a small spot of coarse white salt. Below the salt, next to the raw meat, is a pile of light brown spice powder. All layers remain distinct and unmixed, showing varied colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component plays a starring role—from the lean ground chicken that forms succulent meatballs to the fresh vegetables in the Greek salad that provide crunch and color. The tzatziki sauce offers a cool, creamy contrast, making every spoonful a delight.

1 lb. ground chicken 99/1: A lean protein base that keeps the meatballs juicy without added fat.
1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs 28g: Helps bind the meatballs and adds a nice texture.
1/4 cup parsley finely chopped: Introduces a fresh, bright herbal note.
1/4 cup onion finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to the meatballs.
2 cloves garlic minced: Provides an aromatic punch essential to Mediterranean flavors.
1 tsp. dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb giving depth to the meatballs.
1/2 tsp. ground cumin: A warm spice that enhances the savory profile.
1/2 tsp. salt: Seasoning to bring all flavors together.
1/4 tsp. black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat.
1 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt 224g: Creamy base of the cooling tzatziki sauce.
1/2 cup cucumber finely grated and drained, 84g: Brings crispness and moisture to tzatziki without watering it down.
2 cloves garlic minced: Elevates the sauce’s aroma and flavor.
2 Tbsp. lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity balancing the creamy yogurt.
2 Tbsp. fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp. dried): Gives the sauce that unmistakable fresh herbal note.
1 Tbsp. olive oil: Smoothes the sauce for a luscious mouthfeel.
Salt and pepper to taste: To perfect the flavor harmony in the tzatziki.
1 1/2 cups cucumber chopped, 200g: Crisp and refreshing element in the Greek salad.
1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half: Adds a juicy, sweet pop of color.
1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced: Sharp and slightly sweet, balancing the veggies.
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives sliced lengthwise, 80g: Brings a briny, rich Mediterranean flavor.
1/2 cup fat-free feta cheese 56g: Creamy crumbly contrast that completes the salad.
1/2 Tbsp. olive oil: Lightly dresses the salad for glistening freshness.
1 Tbsp. lemon juice: Adds a zingy acidity that lifts all the salad ingredients.
1/2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar: Provides subtle sweetness and tartness to the salad dressing.
Pinch of salt: To enhance the overall salad flavor.
2 cups cooked brown rice: Nutty, wholesome base to make the bowls filling and nutritious.
4 cups romaine lettuce chopped: Adds a fresh, crisp layer for texture contrast and volume.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining the ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently but thoroughly—this allows the flavors to meld without overworking the meat, which keeps your meatballs tender and juicy. Once everything is well combined, shape the mixture into 12 equal meatballs, roughly 42 grams each. This sizing helps them cook evenly and fit perfectly into the bowl.

Step 2: Cooking the Meatballs

You have three fantastic options to cook these meatballs, so pick your favorite based on convenience and texture preference. If you love a crispy exterior, air frying is your best friend—just spray the air fryer pan to prevent sticking and cook them at 380°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, making sure they don’t touch to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, pan-sear the meatballs in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to get a beautiful golden crust all around, which takes about 10 minutes. Lastly, baking is a hands-off option; place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs cook, whip up the creamy tzatziki sauce. Mix together the Greek yogurt, finely grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This sauce is not just a dip—it’s a cooling, flavorful crown for your meatballs. Let it chill in the refrigerator to develop those bright, fresh flavors before serving.

Step 4: Toss the Greek Salad

Next, assemble the Greek salad by combining chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, and fat-free feta cheese. Dress this vibrant mix with olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt, tossing gently to balance every bite. The salad adds a crisp freshness and a lovely tang that perfectly complements the rich meatballs and creamy tzatziki.

Step 5: Assemble the Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe

To build each bowl, start with a foundation of chopped romaine lettuce and cooked brown rice, creating a hearty and fresh base. Arrange the cooked meatballs on top, then spoon over a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Finish by adding a vibrant scoop of the Greek salad. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on top visually elevates the dish and adds a burst of herbal aroma. Now your colorful, flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe is ready to be savored!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe

The image shows a round black air fryer basket filled with twelve golden-brown meatballs. Each meatball has a slightly crispy and browned outside with visible bits of green herbs mixed into the meat, giving a speckled texture. The meatballs are evenly spaced, with a few darker spots showing where they have browned more during cooking. The basket's bottom has round holes allowing airflow, and there is a slight shine of cooking oil around the meatballs. The background is not visible as the focus is tight on the basket and meatballs photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take the bowl to the next level, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of freshness and aroma. A sprinkle of lemon zest or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a bright, luxurious finish. Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds can add unexpected crunch and texture, bringing together all the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

While this bowl is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a side of warm pita bread or grilled veggies can transform it into a delightful feast. A light lentil soup or a chilled cucumber salad would also complement the fresh and savory notes, making your meal even more satisfying. If you prefer something simpler, some warm lemon-garlic roasted potatoes are a comforting and hearty choice.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining or meal prep, consider serving the components in separate dainty bowls allowing guests or family members to mix and match their bowls to personal preference. Alternatively, layer the ingredients in a tall glass jar for an on-the-go Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe parfait, which looks elegant and keeps ingredients fresh until ready to eat. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top lends a restaurant-style presentation that will wow everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Store the meatballs, tzatziki, Greek salad, and rice separately in airtight containers to maintain the best texture and freshness. This helps prevent sogginess and lets you enjoy each element as if freshly made when reheated or eaten cold.

Freezing

If you want to prep in bulk, the cooked meatballs freeze wonderfully. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the tzatziki or salad as they don’t hold up well; make those fresh when you’re ready to serve for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the meatballs in the oven or microwave until heated through. Reheat the rice separately, and add fresh or chilled tzatziki and salad after warming your bowl components. This keeps the creamy and crunchy elements fresh so your Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe tastes every bit as delicious as when first made.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great lean alternative with a slightly different flavor but similar texture that works well in the Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki for a dairy-free yogurt alternative and omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free substitute to keep it friendly for dairy-free diets.

What can I use instead of Italian breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs work fine. You can also substitute with crushed pita chips or oats for interesting texture variations.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has a mild warmth from black pepper and cumin but is not spicy-hot, making it accessible to most palates. You can always add red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Definitely! You can mix and shape the meatballs a day ahead and keep them refrigerated, then cook them fresh when ready. This saves time and makes dinner prep stress-free.

Final Thoughts

The Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors, all beautifully combined in an easy-to-make, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, meal prepping for the week, or sharing a cozy dinner with loved ones, this recipe offers a perfect balance of nutrition and taste. I can’t recommend it enough—grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a bowl full of sunshine and comfort tonight!