Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for these Greek Chicken Meatballs! Packed with Mediterranean flavors, fresh herbs, and just a splash of zesty lemon, this dish is a weeknight winner and a showstopper for gatherings. The tender chicken combines with parsley, dill, and oregano for a vibrant taste experience that’s both nourishing and downright irresistible. Whether you’re tucking them into pita bread or serving atop a fresh Greek salad, Greek Chicken Meatballs are that cozy, sunny taste of the Mediterranean you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe lets simple, fresh ingredients shine. Each component brings a special something to the table: color from herbs, zing from lemon, and that magical warmth only garlic can provide. You’ll recognize every ingredient—and see just how easily they all come together for this flavorful classic.
- Ground Chicken: Lean and mild, it soaks up all the vivid Greek flavors and makes the meatballs tender.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture while keeping everything light—use plain or panko for a slightly crispier bite.
- Egg: Acts as the glue, ensuring your Greek Chicken Meatballs hold together beautifully.
- Garlic: Two fresh cloves lend aromatic depth and signature Mediterranean flavor.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped for pops of sweetness and color in every bite.
- Fresh Parsley: Delivers clean, herbal freshness that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Fresh Dill: The heart of Greek flavor—don’t skip it for truly memorable meatballs.
- Dried Oregano: Earthy, bold, and unmistakable in Greek cooking.
- Salt: Enhances all those beautiful flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds warmth and gentle heat to balance the herbs.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of citrus brightens and lifts the finished dish.
- Olive Oil: For skillet cooking, lending flavor and helping with that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by adding your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, parsley, dill, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or your hands to gently combine everything. This step sets the stage—be careful not to overmix so your Greek Chicken Meatballs turn out delightfully tender!
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Once the mixture is just combined, it’s time to form your meatballs. Scoop up heaping tablespoons and gently roll them into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Uniform sizing means even cooking, so try to keep them consistent—think golf ball-sized.
Step 3: Cook in the Skillet
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let them sear, turning occasionally, so each side gets golden and delicious. They’ll be done in 8 to 10 minutes, or when an instant-read thermometer hits 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
As soon as your Greek Chicken Meatballs are cooked through and deeply golden, transfer them to a plate and get ready for the fun part—serving! This is your moment to get creative with dips, bread, salads, or whatever you’re craving. Pro tip: they’re especially tasty with a side of cool, creamy tzatziki.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
Elevate your Greek Chicken Meatballs with a handful of fresh dill or parsley, an extra squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. A light dusting of sumac also adds a tangy lift and beautiful color.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong teaming these meatballs with warm pita bread, fluffy rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumber, and olives. For dipping, a generous swirl of tzatziki or hummus makes every bite sing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading Greek Chicken Meatballs onto skewers for a fun appetizer, or nestle them inside pita pockets with lettuce and tomato for an irresistible sandwich. Invite friends over and serve them as part of a mezze platter alongside dolmades, olives, and roasted eggplant dip—the possibilities are inspiring!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Greek Chicken Meatballs (lucky you!), pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 4 days, making them ideal for quick lunches or easy dinner prep.
Freezing
For meal prep superheroes, these meatballs freeze beautifully once cooked. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, ready for a speedy Mediterranean fix anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place your meatballs on a baking tray and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. For a super quick option, use the microwave in short bursts, but cover with a damp paper towel so they stay juicy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and gives your Greek Chicken Meatballs a slightly different flavor—still delicious and just as tender.
How do I keep the meatballs from turning out dry?
It’s all about gentle mixing and not overcooking. Combine the mixture just until it holds together, and pull them from the heat as soon as they reach 165°F (74°C) internally for maximum juiciness.
Can these be baked instead of fried?
Yes, for a lighter version, bake your Greek Chicken Meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You’ll still get that tasty golden crust with a bit less oil.
What sauces pair best with Greek Chicken Meatballs?
Tzatziki is the classic partner, but you can also serve them with hummus, roasted red pepper dip, or a simple garlic yogurt sauce for extra variety.
How far in advance can I make the mixture?
You can mix and refrigerate the base for up to a day before cooking. In fact, chilling for 30 minutes or more actually deepens the herby, lemony flavors of the Greek Chicken Meatballs!
Final Thoughts
These Greek Chicken Meatballs are a joy to make and a delight to eat. The blend of juicy chicken and punchy herbs brings a taste of Greece right to your kitchen. Give this recipe a whirl and see just how quickly it becomes a staple in your meal rotation!
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Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Greek chicken meatballs are bursting with Mediterranean flavors like dill, parsley, and oregano. Juicy and flavorful, they are perfect for a delicious and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, red onion, parsley, dill, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Shape the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve warm with tzatziki, warm pita bread, or over a Greek salad.
Notes
- For a lighter option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- You can use ground turkey instead of chicken.
- For more intense flavor, chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
