Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Recipe – Healthy Mediterranean Dinner
These flavorful chicken meatballs, packed with fresh herbs and spices, paired with a cool tzatziki sauce, are a perfect blend of savory and refreshing that will delight your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1⁄4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves, minced
- 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1⁄4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
- 1⁄2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Start by preparing the chicken meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh mint, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the egg to the mixture and gently mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as it can lead to dense meatballs.
3. Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs, aiming for about 20 meatballs depending on the size.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning them carefully until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
6. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7. For the Tzatziki Sauce:
8. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper.
9. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired.
10. Chill the tzatziki sauce in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
11. Serve the juicy Greek chicken meatballs with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Notes
If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying them.
You can make the tzatziki ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For an extra tangy flavor, add a bit of lemon zest to the tzatziki sauce.
These chicken meatballs can also be served in pita bread with some extra veggies like tomatoes and cucumber for a Greek-inspired sandwich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450