Greek Chicken Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking) - Extra tzatziki sauce (for serving) You can add extra flavor with these optional ingredients: - Chopped green onions for a mild onion taste. - Red pepper flakes for heat. - Spinach for a green boost. - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for tang. Greek chicken meatballs pack a punch of flavor while staying healthy! Each meatball contains: - About 120 calories - 10g protein - 6g fat - 3g carbohydrates - High in vitamin C from parsley and lemon These meatballs are great for a balanced meal. They offer lean protein and fresh herbs, making them a perfect choice for any diet. Enjoy these tasty bites guilt-free! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather all your ingredients. You need ground chicken, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, parsley, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and crumbled feta. Then, pour in the tzatziki sauce. Next, add the chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, mix everything together using your hands or a spatula. Be gentle and don’t overmix. This keeps your meatballs tender and juicy. Once combined, set this mixture aside while you heat your skillet. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil to the skillet after it warms up. Now, shape your chicken mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This size cooks evenly. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, but don’t overcrowd them. If needed, work in batches. Cook the meatballs for about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn them with a spatula to brown all sides. You want them golden and delicious. Once they are browned, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let the meatballs simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This step ensures they cook through. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After cooking, remove the meatballs from the skillet. Let them rest for a few minutes to lock in moisture. When ready to serve, place them on a platter. Drizzle extra tzatziki sauce on top and sprinkle with parsley. Enjoy your tasty Greek chicken meatballs! To make soft and juicy meatballs, do not overmix the ingredients. Mix them just until combined. This keeps the meatballs tender. Also, shape them gently. Use your hands to form uniform balls, about one inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly. If you want extra moisture, add a bit more tzatziki sauce or feta cheese. You can adjust the flavors to suit your taste. If you like more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a fresher taste, use more lemon zest or fresh herbs. Mixing in some fresh mint can add a nice twist. Always taste your mixture before cooking. This way, you can tweak salt and pepper levels as needed. Serve your meatballs with extra tzatziki sauce on top for creaminess. They pair well with warm pita bread. You can also add a simple salad of cucumber and tomato beside them. For a fun touch, serve them on skewers for easy eating. You can even place them in a wrap for a quick meal. Enjoy your Greek chicken meatballs with friends and family! Pro Tips Do Not Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough. Uniform Size: Shape your meatballs to be about the same size for even cooking and browning. Resting Time: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking to enhance their juiciness and flavor. Flavor Boost: Consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper or fresh mint to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily adapt Greek chicken meatballs for different diets. If you are gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. For a dairy-free option, skip the feta cheese or try a vegan feta substitute. If you want to lower calories, replace ground chicken with ground turkey. This keeps the meatballs light and healthy. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients fit your diet. While tzatziki sauce is classic, you can mix it up. Try serving the meatballs with hummus for a creamy texture. You can also use a spicy yogurt dip for a kick. Other great options include marinara or a lemon herb sauce. Each sauce can change the flavor profile and make the meal fun. Experiment with different dips to find your favorite pairing. You don't have to fry meatballs to make them delicious. Baking is a simple and healthy method. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they reach 165°F (74°C). Grilling is another tasty option. Just shape the meatballs and place them on a hot grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning them until they are nicely charred. Both methods can give you a different texture while keeping the flavors intact. After you enjoy your Greek chicken meatballs, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let them cool first. This will keep them fresh for up to three days in the fridge. I always recommend labeling the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat them by. To reheat your meatballs, use the microwave or stove. For the microwave, place them on a plate. Heat for about one minute. Check if they are warm all the way through. If using the stove, add a little olive oil to a pan. Heat the meatballs on low for about five minutes, turning them often. This keeps them juicy and tasty. If you want to save meatballs for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for two to three hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. They can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your meal anytime! You can serve Greek chicken meatballs with several tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Rice Pilaf: The fluffy rice complements the meatballs well. - Greek Salad: Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives add crunch and flavor. - Pita Bread: Soft pita makes a great wrap for the meatballs. - Roasted Vegetables: Colorful veggies add nutrition and make the plate look nice. - Extra Tzatziki Sauce: A drizzle of tzatziki enhances the dish’s flavors. Yes, you can prepare Greek chicken meatballs in advance. Here’s how: - Mix the Ingredients: Combine all ingredients and shape into meatballs. - Chill in the Fridge: Place them on a tray and cover. Chill for up to 24 hours. - Cook Later: When ready to eat, cook them straight from the fridge. Just adjust cooking time if they are cold. To check if your meatballs are done, follow these steps: - Use a Meat Thermometer: Insert it into the center of a meatball. It should read 165°F (74°C). - Check for Juices: Cut one open. The juices should run clear, not pink. - Look for Browning: They should be golden brown on the outside. These tips ensure your meatballs are safe and tasty! In this post, we explored Greek chicken meatballs from ingredients to storage. We listed key ingredients, optional variations, and nutritional facts. Then, we outlined steps for preparation, cooking, and tips for the best texture. We discussed serving options and alternative cooking methods. Lastly, we covered how to store and reheat leftovers. These meatballs are versatile and fun to make. Enjoy creating your own tasty versions!$

Greek Chicken Meatballs

Delicious and tender chicken meatballs infused with Greek flavors, served with tzatziki sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup tzatziki sauce
0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
as needed extra tzatziki sauce (for serving)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Using your hands or a spatula, gently mix the ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overmix; this will help maintain the tenderness of the meatballs.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat for a minute or so.
While the skillet is warming, shape the chicken mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Once the skillet reaches a nice temperature, carefully add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. If necessary, cook them in batches to keep everything spaced out.
Sear the meatballs for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally with a spatula to ensure they are golden brown on all sides.
After they are browned, lower the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the meatballs simmer for another 5-10 minutes, cooking them through until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, carefully remove the meatballs from the skillet and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes to enhance their juiciness before serving.
To serve, place the meatballs on a platter, drizzle additional tzatziki sauce over the top, and garnish with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy!

Notes

Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to maintain tenderness.

Keyword chicken, Greek, meatballs, tzatziki