Looking for a dish that’s light, flavorful, and perfect for sharing? Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are your answer! These juicy morsels are packed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and tangy feta cheese, capturing all the sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe brings both ease and excitement to your table. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra—these meatballs disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe brings something special to the table, and together, they create meatballs that are truly unforgettable. Let’s dive into what you’ll need, with tips to make every bite pop with flavor, color, and texture.
- Ground chicken: The lean, tender base for your Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs—perfect for soaking up all those savory flavors.
- Breadcrumbs: These little bits add just the right amount of structure, keeping the meatballs soft yet sturdy.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, feta brings a tangy bite and a soft, melty texture inside each meatball.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained): Intensely sweet and savory, they add richness and a gorgeous hint of color.
- Fresh parsley: This herb brightens things up and adds a garden-fresh finish.
- Fresh dill or mint: Choose your favorite for a burst of aromatic flavor—mint is cooling, dill is grassy and classic.
- Garlic (minced): Because every Mediterranean dish deserves a little garlic magic.
- Dried oregano: Earthy and robust, oregano is a Mediterranean staple that ties everything together.
- Salt: Just enough to bring out all the wonderful flavors.
- Black pepper: A subtle kick that enhances every bite.
- Egg: The binder that keeps your meatballs perfectly tender.
- Olive oil (for cooking): Adds richness and ensures golden, crispy edges when pan-frying.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and add your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, dill or mint, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Gently mix everything together—your hands are the best tool for this job! Just be careful not to overmix, or your Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs could turn out tough instead of juicy.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 18 to 20 small meatballs. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly. Place them on a plate or tray as you go—this makes the next step a breeze!
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if necessary, add the meatballs and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally so they brown on all sides and cook through. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden crust and an internal temperature of 165°F. The aroma at this stage is irresistible!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are cooked through, transfer them to a platter and serve warm. They’re delicious with tzatziki, hummus, or simply squeezed with a bit of fresh lemon for that extra Mediterranean flair.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley or dill on top adds color and a burst of herbal fragrance. Don’t forget a generous squeeze of lemon—its bright acidity makes all those Mediterranean flavors sing. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of crumbled feta or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil takes these meatballs over the top.
Side Dishes
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside fluffy rice, nutty couscous, or a crisp Greek salad. They’re also wonderful tucked into warm pita bread with tzatziki and fresh veggies for a satisfying wrap. The possibilities truly are endless—just keep those Mediterranean vibes going!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, thread the meatballs onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices. Or, set up a DIY bowl bar with grains, greens, dips, and toppings—let everyone build their own Mediterranean masterpiece. These meatballs also shine as an appetizer with toothpicks and a trio of dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs store beautifully! Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They’re just as delicious reheated for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Need a quick meal solution? Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prepping or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To bring your Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but a splash of water or broth will help keep them moist.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and gives the meatballs a similar light texture. Just be sure to use one with a bit of fat for best results so the meatballs stay juicy.
Are Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?
They can be! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re all set. Double-check your other ingredients, just to be safe.
Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They’ll come out golden and delicious with a bit less hands-on time.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, try using dairy-free feta or simply leave it out. The meatballs will still be packed with Mediterranean flavor from the herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Be sure to mix the ingredients until just combined and use the egg and breadcrumbs as binders. If your mixture seems too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs; if it’s too dry, a splash of milk or water helps bring it together.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and a little bit special, give these Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs a try. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to brighten any meal. Gather your ingredients and get ready for a flavor journey—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
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Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy main course combining ground chicken with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick stovetop meal, they offer a delicious blend of Greek-inspired ingredients and are versatile enough to serve with tzatziki, hummus, or alongside rice or salad. This recipe is easy to prepare, packed with protein, and can be adapted to be gluten-free.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, dill or mint, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and the egg. Stir just until the ingredients are combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to dense meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into 18 to 20 small meatballs, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size to cook evenly.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve the meatballs warm alongside tzatziki, hummus, rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright finish.
Notes
- You can bake these meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes instead of stovetop cooking if preferred.
- Prepare them ahead of time and freeze uncooked meatballs for convenient meal prep later.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
