Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Sizzling Mediterranean Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Tender and packed with Mediterranean flavors, these greek chicken meatballs burst with herbal goodness that dance across your palate.

Succulent meat combines with fresh herbs and zesty spices to create a mouthwatering dish.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through traditional Greek cuisine.

Aromatic garlic and fragrant oregano weave their magic into every morsel.

The light yet satisfying meatballs work perfectly as an appetizer or main course.

Paired with a cool tzatziki sauce, these chicken meatballs transport you straight to the sunny streets of Athens.

Prepare to savor a recipe that celebrates the vibrant essence of Greek cooking.

Serve with Tzatziki or Pita Bread

  • Mediterranean Platter Paradise: Arrange meatballs on a large wooden board with colorful sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
  • Pita Pocket Delight: Stuff warm meatballs inside soft pita bread, top with cool tzatziki sauce, sliced red onions, and fresh chopped herbs for a quick handheld meal.
  • Salad Bowl Sensation: Crumble meatballs over a crisp Greek salad with romaine lettuce, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a zesty lemon-oregano vinaigrette for a protein-packed lunch.
  • Mezze Style Spread: Serve meatballs as part of a traditional mezze platter with hummus, dolmades, marinated artichokes, and warm flatbread for a festive sharing experience.

Store in the Fridge or Freeze for Later

  • Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container within two hours of preparation, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Arrange cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. These delicious bites will remain tasty for up to 3 months when properly packaged, ensuring convenient future meals.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165F. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain their crispy exterior and juicy interior.
  • Prepare a double batch during weekend cooking sessions, separating portions into individual containers. These protein-packed meatballs work perfectly for quick lunches, dinner shortcuts, and versatile meal planning throughout the busy work week.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make these Greek chicken meatballs authentic?

The key ingredients that make these meatballs authentic are feta cheese, fresh herbs like parsley and dill, oregano, cumin, and lemon zest. These traditional Greek flavors create a distinctive Mediterranean taste profile.

  • Are these meatballs healthier than traditional beef meatballs?

Yes, these chicken meatballs are leaner and lower in fat compared to beef meatballs. Ground chicken provides a lighter protein option while still delivering rich, delicious flavor with fewer calories.

  • Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

You can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make these meatballs gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.

  • How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry?

The key is to avoid overmixing the ingredients and not overcooking. Mix gently until just combined, and bake only until the internal temperature reaches 165F. The feta cheese and egg also help keep the meatballs moist and tender.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken Meatball Ingredient List

For Protein and Binding:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean and tender base that provides the main structure of the meatballs, choose fresh and high-quality meat for best flavor.
  • Egg: Helps bind ingredients together and adds moisture to prevent dry meatballs.
  • Feta Cheese: Introduces tangy, creamy texture and authentic Greek flavor profile.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic punch that elevates the overall taste of the meatballs.
  • Parsley, Dill: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and herbaceous notes to the dish.
  • Oregano, Cumin: Spices that contribute warm, earthy undertones with Mediterranean character.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides zesty, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the meatballs' overall taste.
For Texture and Structure:
  • Breadcrumbs: Creates light, tender texture and helps absorb moisture to prevent dense meatballs.

Tools for Baking or Searing These Flavorful Balls

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing all ingredients thoroughly.
  • Tablespoon or cookie scoop: Perfect for creating uniform meatball sizes.
  • Baking sheet: Crucial for even cooking and golden-brown meatballs.
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Meat thermometer: Ensures meatballs reach safe internal temperature of 165F.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for accurate seasoning.

Cook Greek-Inspired Chicken Meatballs at Home

Create Succulent Mediterranean Meatballs

  • Prepare Mixing Station

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and get ready to craft delicious Greek-inspired chicken meatballs that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

  • Combine Flavor Powerhouses

Gently blend ground chicken with crumbled feta, minced garlic, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. Use a light touch to keep the mixture tender and prevent dense meatballs.

  • Craft Perfect Bites

Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres, ensuring each one is uniform for consistent cooking. Arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet with a little breathing room between them.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven and let the happen. Cook until the meatballs turn a beautiful golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature.

  • Serve with Flair

Present your Mediterranean treasures alongside creamy tzatziki, crisp lemon wedges, and a vibrant Greek salad. These meatballs can also transform into a killer pita sandwich for a casual meal.

Tips for That Zesty, Moist Interior

  • Wet your hands with cold water before rolling meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking and create smoother, more uniform shapes.
  • Prepare meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and saves time during meal preparation.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. The swap maintains the meatballs' tender texture.
  • For extra protein, add a quarter cup of crumbled ground pine nuts or replace half the breadcrumbs with ground almonds. This boosts nutritional value and introduces a subtle nutty flavor.
  • Bake meatballs, let cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350F oven for 10-12 minutes.
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Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent Greek chicken meatballs showcase Mediterranean flavors with herbed ground chicken, garlic, and zesty spices. Served with tzatziki sauce and warm pita, this dish offers a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Tzatziki sauce
  • Lemon wedges
  • Greek salad or pita bread

Instructions

  1. Preheating: Configure oven to 400F (200C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease surface.
  2. Meatball Composition: Merge ground chicken, breadcrumbs, feta, egg, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon zest into a unified mixture. Blend ingredients gently to maintain protein’s delicate texture, avoiding excessive mixing.
  3. Shaping and Positioning: Craft uniform spherical meatballs using tablespoon or cookie scoop, forming consistent 1 1/2-inch diameter portions. Arrange meatballs compactly on prepared baking surface with minimal spacing between each.
  4. Roasting: Transfer tray to preheated oven, roasting meatballs for 18-20 minutes until exterior achieves golden-brown hue and internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), guaranteeing thorough protein preparation.
  5. Serving: Plate Mediterranean-style meatballs alongside cooling tzatziki, zesty lemon wedges, and crisp Greek salad. Optional: Tuck protein spheres into soft pita bread for a portable, authentic Greek culinary experience.

Notes

  • Prevent Tough Meatballs: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the chicken mixture to maintain a tender, light texture.
  • Moisture Management: Add extra breadcrumbs if the mixture seems too wet, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape during baking.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the 165F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Flavor Boost: Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing overall taste and succulence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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