Are you looking to spice up your weeknight dinners with a touch of Mediterranean flavor? Then you’re in for a treat with these Greek Chicken Meatballs! Packed with fresh herbs and spices, these meatballs are a delicious way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Fragrant: A delightful blend of herbs and spices create a robust flavor profile that brings Greece into your kitchen.
- Quick to Prepare: These Greek Chicken Meatballs are ready in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Made with lean ground chicken and packed with fresh vegetables, this dish is both healthy and satisfying.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether over rice, a salad, or on their own with some tzatziki sauce, you can customize how they’re served to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for these Greek Chicken Meatballs are simple yet essential, working in harmony to create a dish that’s full of flavor and vibrance. Each component brings its own unique touch to the dish, making it a perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Ground Chicken: The lean protein that’s a healthier alternative to beef, providing a tender base for the meatballs.
- Fresh Herbs: Dill and mint add aromatic freshness while grounding the flavors in authentic Greek cuisine.
- Spices: A mix of cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes gives these meatballs a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of heat.
- Red Onion and Garlic: These aromatics offer a depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness balanced by a savory bite.
- Lemon Zest: Brings a zesty brightness that complements the herbs and spices wonderfully.
- Olive Oil: Used for frying, it not only helps cook the meatballs but also enriches them with a gentle Mediterranean flavor.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Greek Chicken Meatballs! This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to fit what you have on hand, any dietary needs, or personal taste preferences.
- Spice Adjustment: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes or, if you enjoy a kick, amp them up!
- Herb Alternatives: Swap or add in different herbs like parsley or basil for a unique twist.
- Different Proteins: Try this recipe using ground turkey or beef for a slightly different yet equally delicious flavor.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, spices, herbs, onion, garlic, and lemon zest. Using your hands, mix everything until just combined, ensuring not to overwork the meat, which can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Shape and Cook
Form the mixture into meatballs, using a cookie dough scoop or tablespoon for even sizing. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, cooking them in batches if necessary. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165°F.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve these delightful meatballs over a bed of chopped romaine with a refreshing medley of cucumbers, tomatoes, rice, and a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce on the side. Sprinkle some feta cheese on top for that final touch of Greek brilliance.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Fresh Herb Selection: Opt for the freshest herbs you can find for the best flavor impact. It really makes a difference in the final taste.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the meatballs in batches to ensure even browning and prevent steaming rather than frying.
- Test a Meatball First: Fry one meatball first to test the seasoning, allowing adjustments to be made before cooking the rest.
- Lemon Zest Trick: Zest the lemon directly over the mixing bowl to capture all the fragrant oils for maximum flavor.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
Top these meatballs with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and a few extra fresh herbs. For an added brightness, a squeeze of lemon just before serving works wonders.
Side Dishes
Pair the Greek Chicken Meatballs with sides like grilled pita, a traditional Greek salad, or a light cucumber-yogurt dressing to keep the meal fresh and light.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these meatballs as sliders using mini pita rounds, or skewered for a party platter. For a more colorful presentation, arrange them over a Greek mezze board with olives, roasted peppers, and stuffed grape leaves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They retain their moisture and flavor, making them a great next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze these Greek Chicken Meatballs before or after cooking. Ensure they are tightly sealed in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain their quality for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs in a saucepan over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if they appear too dry.
FAQs
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Can I make these meatballs with ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for chicken, keeping the meatballs tender and delicious.
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What if I don’t have fresh dill or mint?
You can substitute dried herbs—use about a third of the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
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How can I tell if the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should read 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
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What’s the best way to add more moisture to the meatballs?
If your mixture seems dry, add a tablespoon of yogurt or olive oil to boost moisture without changing the flavor too much.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find as much joy in making these Greek Chicken Meatballs as I do. They’re a delightful blend of flavors that transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll soon become a favorite in your household too!
Print
Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 meatballs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
A flavorful and healthy Greek-inspired Chicken Meatballs recipe featuring aromatic herbs and spices, pan-fried to crispy perfection, served with fresh vegetables, rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for frying
For Serving
- Chopped romaine lettuce
- Feta cheese, for serving
- Cucumber slices
- Tomato slices
- White rice
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, add ground chicken, salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, chopped dill, chopped mint, diced red onion, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Use your hands to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until well mixed.
- Form Meatballs: Using a cookie dough scoop or tablespoon, portion out the mixture and gently roll with your hands to form into evenly-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let the oil warm until shimmering.
- Cook Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the hot skillet in batches if necessary, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve: Place cooked meatballs over chopped romaine lettuce, and top with feta, cucumber slices, tomato slices, a serving of white rice, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or drizzle with olive oil before serving.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet to allow proper browning.
- You can bake the meatballs at 375°F for 20-25 minutes if preferred over frying.
- The recipe yields about 40 small to medium-sized meatballs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
