There is nothing quite like the vibrant, fresh flavors of the Greek Chicken Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe to brighten up your dinner table. This dish masterfully combines tender, herb-infused chicken meatballs with crisp vegetables and creamy tzatziki, all resting on a bed of fluffy rice. Every bite offers a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a Mediterranean feast in your own home. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe delivers a knockout combination that’s both nourishing and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this Greek Chicken Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe sing. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the aromatic fresh herbs that inject brightness to the creamy feta that adds a lovely salty bite and the tzatziki sauce that cools everything down.
- Ground chicken: The lean protein base that ensures tender, juicy meatballs packed with flavor.
- Red onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and slight crunch, finely chopped to blend seamlessly.
- Garlic: Minced for that unmistakable savory punch that ties the meatballs together.
- Fresh dill: Bright, herbaceous notes that transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast.
- Fresh mint: A refreshing herb that lifts the overall flavor, preventing heaviness.
- Greek seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the meatballs with classic Mediterranean spices.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Olive oil: Used both in the meat mixture and for cooking, enriching flavor and texture.
- Cooked basmati rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up all the delicious juices.
- Persian cucumber: Crisp and cooling, thinly sliced to balance the savory meatballs.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness that add color and freshness.
- Kalamata olives: Salty, briny pops of flavor that deepen the Mediterranean vibe.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for a creamy, tangy contrast that completes each bite.
- Tzatziki sauce: The creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce that adds a cooling richness.
- Lemon wedges: For squeezing over the bowl to add a zesty brightness.
- Pita bread or pita chips (optional): Wonderful for scooping up all the components or adding extra crunch.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining ground chicken with finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, fresh dill, fresh mint, Greek seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a large bowl. Use your hands or a hand mixer to mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated. This ensures that every meatball is bursting with flavor and has a wonderful texture that won’t be dry or crumbly.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Scoop about two tablespoons of the mixture for each meatball and roll them into uniform balls with your hands. Keeping the meatballs roughly the same size helps them cook evenly. Place them gently on a tray, ready for cooking. This step is fun and hands-on, and it guarantees perfectly shaped meatballs that will hold together beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning. Cook the meatballs, rotating them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, transfer the meatballs to a plate and cover them with foil to keep warm while you assemble the rest of the bowl.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Divide cooked basmati rice among your serving bowls. Neatly arrange slices of Persian cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and pitted Kalamata olives alongside the rice. Place the warm chicken meatballs on top, then generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over everything. Finally, dollop a spoonful of creamy tzatziki sauce on each bowl. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing and pita bread or pita chips on the side if you like, adding extra texture and an authentic touch.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes really elevates the dish and gives it that homemade, picturesque look. Sprinkle extra fresh dill or mint leaves on top for a fragrant lift. A light drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of freshly ground black pepper also adds a lovely finishing touch. Feel free to add thinly sliced red onion rings or a sprinkle of sumac for a little extra zing that wakes up the taste buds.
Side Dishes
This bowl is quite complete on its own, but pairing it with some crisp Greek salad or grilled vegetables can turn the meal into a celebration. Tangy lemon roasted potatoes or warm pita bread served alongside create wonderful contrasts in texture and flavor, making the meal even more satisfying for your family or guests. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette complements the richness of the meatballs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun with the Greek Chicken Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe. Try layering the ingredients in a mason jar for an appealing lunch-on-the-go option, or serve family-style on a large platter where everyone can build their own bowls. For a festive look, arrange vegetables in colorful sections around the meatballs with dollops of tzatziki in between. It’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the meatballs, rice, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the textures and flavors better, especially the fresh vegetables and tzatziki, which can lose their charm if mixed too soon. Properly stored, leftovers will stay fresh for up to three days, making for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
Frozen storage works best for the meatballs alone. Arrange cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Rice and fresh vegetables do not freeze well, so plan to prepare those fresh when ready to serve again.
Reheating
Reheat meatballs gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to retain moisture. Microwave works too but watch carefully to avoid drying out. For bowls with rice and vegetables, reheat rice separately and add fresh vegetables and tzatziki right before serving to keep the textures crisp and flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use plain basmati rice and check that your tzatziki and seasonings contain no hidden gluten. Just avoid pita bread or substitute with gluten-free pita options to keep it safe for gluten intolerance.
What can I substitute for ground chicken?
Ground turkey is a great substitute that will yield similar results. You could also try lean ground beef or lamb for a richer, more traditional Greek flavor, though that will change the character of the bowl slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Greek Chicken Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe?
Yes! Swap chicken meatballs with falafel or plant-based meatballs made from chickpeas or lentils. Keep all the fresh vegetables, feta, and tzatziki the same for a satisfying vegetarian alternative that embodies the same refreshing Mediterranean spirit.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and friendly for most palates, focusing on fresh herbs and classic Greek seasoning. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Cooking them fresh the next day is best for texture, but you can also cook them ahead and reheat gently when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s both wholesome and bursting with exciting flavors, the Greek Chicken Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe is a true winner. It combines the best of Mediterranean ingredients in a simple, approachable way that you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with those juicy meatballs, cool tzatziki, and fresh veggies just as much as I have!
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Greek Chicken Meatball Bowl with Tzatziki, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and fresh Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl featuring tender chicken meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices, served over fragrant basmati rice with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 500 g ground chicken
- 60 g red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 g fresh dill, chopped
- 10 g fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tsp Greek seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for pan
Bowls & Garnishes
- 240 g cooked basmati rice
- 100 g Persian cucumber, sliced
- 100 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 50 g Kalamata olives, pitted
- 50 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 80 g tzatziki sauce
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Pita bread or pita chips, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill and mint, Greek seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a hand mixer until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture per meatball and roll into uniform balls. Place the formed meatballs on a tray, ready for cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange meatballs in a single layer without crowding. Cook, rotating occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, remove meatballs to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked basmati rice evenly among serving bowls. Arrange sliced Persian cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and pitted Kalamata olives alongside the rice. Place the cooked chicken meatballs on top, then garnish with crumbled feta cheese and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.
- Serve: Serve the bowls immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over, and pita bread or pita chips if desired for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture chill for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Be sure to cook the meatballs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Use fresh herbs for the best aromatic flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but at half the quantity.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- This recipe can be served with quinoa or cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek/Mediterranean
