If you’re craving something bright, flavorful, and impossibly juicy, these Greek Chicken Meatballs deserve a spot at the top of your dinner list. Infused with Mediterranean herbs, fresh parsley, red onion, and finished with a zing of lemon, this dish balances freshness and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weeknight feast or prepping ahead for meal planning, this recipe brings stunning Greek flavors without complicating your evening. Trust me, Greek Chicken Meatballs are bound to become a new favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a laundry list of exotic ingredients to make Greek Chicken Meatballs sing—just real, honest basics that transform ground chicken into something extraordinary. Each ingredient here plays a starring role, adding essential moisture, aromatics, or an unmistakable burst of flavor.
- 1 lb ground chicken: Juicy, lean, and soaks up all the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Key for a tender texture that holds everything together.
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped): Adds savory-sweet depth and a pop of color.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens the meatballs and adds flecks of fresh green.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped): That signature Greek herb that really sets this recipe apart.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy, fragrant, pure Mediterranean magic.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the savory notes and balances the herbs.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle peppery kick that ties things together.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients so your meatballs are perfectly cohesive and moist.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushes on the golden goodness while baking.
- Optional lemon wedges and tzatziki for serving: Adds zesty brightness and creamy coolness.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C); get it nice and hot for even browning. While you’re at it, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your meatballs won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, introduce your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, dill, oregano, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to gently combine everything—mix just until everything is incorporated. This is the secret to tender Greek Chicken Meatballs, so avoid overmixing!
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to measure out 1.5-inch balls of mixture. Roll each one gently and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space in between for even cooking.
Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil
Drizzle or brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil. This helps them brown up beautifully in the oven, creating that slightly crispy, golden exterior while staying juicy on the inside.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. The Greek Chicken Meatballs should come out golden and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Your kitchen will fill with the scent of fresh herbs and roasting garlic—get ready for happy tummies!
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Enjoy the meatballs while they’re warm, with lemon wedges for squeezing and a generous scoop of cool, creamy tzatziki on the side. These are best fresh but equally delicious the next day.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
To really let the Greek Chicken Meatballs shine, shower them with more fresh chopped parsley or dill right before serving. A quick squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors, and a dollop of tzatziki transforms every bite into a trip to the Mediterranean coast.
Side Dishes
You have endless options here! Pair these meatballs with a crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, or fluffy rice pilaf for a full meal. A little orzo tossed with olive oil and herbs makes a perfect, breezy match. For a low-carb option, try roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Greek Chicken Meatballs aren’t just for dinner plates! Tuck them into pita pockets for a Mediterranean sandwich, skewer them with veggies for party platters, or slice leftovers to top a hearty salad bowl. They even work as quick appetizers at gatherings—just add toothpicks and a bowl of tzatziki.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Greek Chicken Meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay flavorful and moist for up to three days—perfect for easy lunches or weeknight dinners on the fly.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange the cooled meatballs on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. After that, pop them into a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, ready to reheat whenever you crave that Greek flavor hit.
Reheating
The best way to keep the meatballs juicy is to reheat them gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or pop them in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven brings back that just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works really well in this recipe and gives just as delicious results. Just make sure it’s not too lean or the meatballs could dry out a bit—otherwise, swap away!
What keeps the Greek Chicken Meatballs from getting dry?
Breadcrumbs, egg, and those chopped herbs make a world of difference for moisture. Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle before baking—it helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Can I make Greek Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and you’re all set. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
Should I brown the meatballs before baking?
For an extra boost of flavor and color, you can absolutely brown the meatballs in a skillet before finishing them in the oven. It’s an optional step, but a favorite among meatball aficionados!
What sauce goes best with these meatballs?
Classic tzatziki is always a winner alongside Greek Chicken Meatballs. For a change of pace, try a simple yogurt sauce with lemon and herbs or even a roasted red pepper dip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a foolproof recipe for Greek Chicken Meatballs that brings Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen any day of the week. Once you discover how easy and irresistible these are, you’ll be making them again and again. Gather your ingredients, give it a try, and let yourself fall in love with every bite!
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Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and flavorful Greek chicken meatballs that are perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. These baked meatballs are seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and spices, making them a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Serving:
- Optional lemon wedges
- Optional tzatziki for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until fully combined without overmixing.
- Form the meatballs: Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush or drizzle the tops with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve warm with lemon wedges and a side of tzatziki if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try browning the meatballs in a skillet before baking.
- These pair perfectly with Greek salad, pita, or rice bowls.
- You can substitute ground turkey if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
