Description
These Greek Chicken Meatballs are tender and flavorful, infused with fresh herbs like dill and parsley, and perfectly seasoned with garlic and spices. Paired with a creamy, refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, this dish makes for a wholesome main course or appetizer that’s both healthy and satisfying. Serve them warm with tzatziki for dipping or in pitas with your favorite fresh veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Tzatziki: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely grated and squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the meatballs.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated red onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, oregano, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and lightly beaten egg. Mix everything together until evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the meatballs in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly, until the meatballs are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve the warm meatballs alongside the chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping, or stuff them into pitas with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion for a delicious Greek-inspired sandwich.
Notes
- For a low-carb alternative, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes as a healthier cooking option instead of pan-frying.
- Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from the cucumber to prevent watery tzatziki.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried dill works as a substitute if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
