Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

If you’re searching for an irresistible dinner idea that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor, these Greek Chicken Meatballs will win over everyone at your table. Perfectly seasoned, juicy, and packed with herbs, they transform simple, wholesome ingredients into a vibrant and healthy meal you’ll crave on busy weeknights or as a fresh addition to a party spread. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these meatballs come together—and you’ll want to make them again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is easier than you’d think, and each one brings something unique to the party: juicy chicken, bright fresh herbs, and a handful of pantry spices come together to create an unforgettable batch of meatballs. Let’s look closer at what you’ll need and why these picks matter.

• Ground chicken: The lean base of these Greek Chicken Meatballs, offering a tender bite and soaking up all the zesty Mediterranean flavors.
• Salt: A key seasoning that enhances all the fresh ingredients without overpowering those delicate herbs.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth that balances the herbs and citrus.
• Ground cumin: This earthy spice brings subtle depth and a hint of smokiness.
• Ground oregano: Classic Greek flavor, making these meatballs distinctly Mediterranean.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a little heat, brightening up the whole dish—feel free to adjust for your spice preference.
• Fresh dill (chopped): Bright, grassy, and undeniably Greek, dill is a meatball game-changer here.
• Fresh mint (chopped): An unlikely hero that lifts and freshens every bite without overpowering.
• Finely diced red onion: Provides a gentle crunch and a pop of sweetness.
• Minced garlic: Robust and aromatic, because every great meatball needs garlic.
• Lemon zest: Just that little touch of citrus brightens up the whole batch and gives them true Greek character.
• Olive oil (for frying): Adds flavor and helps you fry the meatballs to golden perfection.
• Chopped romaine, feta, cucumber, tomato, white rice, tzatziki sauce (for serving): All the essential fixings for a fully loaded Mediterranean bowl.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the ground chicken, salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, fresh dill, mint, red onion, garlic, and lemon zest. Use your hands to gently but thoroughly combine everything so the herbs, spices, and aromatics are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Don’t overwork it—just mix until combined, and you’ll lock in all that tenderness we love in meatballs.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Grab a cookie scoop or a tablespoon and portion out the mixture for perfect, evenly sized Greek Chicken Meatballs. Lightly oil your hands and gently roll each scoop into a ball, about the size of a tablespoon. This not only keeps them uniform for even cooking but also gives you those beautiful, golden brown edges later on. Expect about 40 meatballs and yes, your kitchen will smell incredible already!

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, arrange the meatballs in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each one. Cook them for 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently until browned on the outside and fully cooked through. They should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on your skillet, you may need to cook them in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan, so every meatball gets beautifully crisp edges!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are cooked, pile them over a bed of chopped romaine with all the fixings: crumbly feta, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fluffy white rice, and, of course, a generous dollop of tzatziki. These creative combinations make the Greek Chicken Meatballs irresistible as a meal prep lunch or centerpiece for a family dinner.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

Finish your Greek Chicken Meatballs with a flourish of crumbled feta, extra chopped fresh dill or mint, and a quick squeeze of lemon juice. That final dash of herby brightness and briny cheese elevates every bite—and you can’t go wrong with a little extra olive oil drizzled over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair these meatballs with sides that really let their Mediterranean essence shine. Fluffy white rice or herby lemon rice turns this into a hearty meal, while a crisp salad of cucumber, tomato, and romaine keeps things light. Don’t forget a scoop of creamy tzatziki and, if you’re feeling fancy, warm pita bread on the side for scooping up all the extras.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the bowl? Tuck your Greek Chicken Meatballs into pita pockets with shredded lettuce and tomatoes for a fresh handheld meal, or layer them onto a platter with colorful roasted veggies for a stunning mezze spread. They’re also terrific as party skewers or in mini sliders with a dab of tzatziki—there’s truly no wrong way to serve them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep any leftover Greek Chicken Meatballs fresh, simply let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making them perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners all week long.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? These meatballs are freezer-friendly! Once cooked and cooled, lay them out on a baking sheet, pop them in the freezer for about an hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll stay tasty for up to three months and are ready whenever you’re craving a little Mediterranean flavor.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your Greek Chicken Meatballs again, just reheat them gently. Microwave for a minute or two, or warm in a low oven (about 325 degrees Fahrenheit) until heated through. If you freeze them, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen with a bit of extra time.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and brings a similar lean texture. Just be sure to use the same amount and check the seasoning, as turkey can be a touch less rich than chicken. Either way, your Greek Chicken Meatballs will be delicious.

Do I need to use fresh herbs, or can I use dried?

Fresh dill and mint elevate the flavor and give these meatballs their signature brightness. If you’re in a pinch, dried will work—just use about one-third the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated. The taste will be a bit different, but still tasty!

How do I make these gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as there’s no bread crumb or flour binder in the mix. Double-check the tzatziki and feta labels if you’re buying prepped products, just to be safe.

Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?

Definitely! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they reach 165 degrees internally. Turn them once halfway for even browning—you’ll skip the olive oil but still get that juicy texture.

What can I substitute for tzatziki if I don’t have any?

If you’re out of tzatziki, plain Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt, garlic, and lemon juice makes a quick stand-in. Or whip up a simple cucumber-yogurt sauce to keep those fresh Greek Chicken Meatballs feeling light and bright.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold, fresh flavors and easy weeknight recipes, you’ll be truly delighted by these Greek Chicken Meatballs. They’re flavorful, versatile, and so simple to make. Try them once and I promise, you’ll come up with new ways to enjoy them every time. Give them a try and make your next dinner a real Mediterranean celebration!

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