Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

These Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki are a delightful option for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these meatballs offer a burst of Mediterranean flavor that will impress everyone. Paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: Each meatball is seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even in a wrap for lunch, these meatballs fit any mealtime scenario.
• Healthy Option: Made with lean ground chicken and fresh ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Perfectly Paired Sauce: The cool tzatziki offers a refreshing contrast to the savory meatballs, enhancing the overall experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Grater
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and easy cleanup when frying the meatballs.
• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
• Grater: Perfect for preparing cucumber for tzatziki, ensuring it’s finely grated for optimal texture.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
– 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
– 2 cloves garlic, 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 garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Meatballs

Begin 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.
* Add the egg to the mixture and gently mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs:
* Aim for about 20 meatballs depending on size preference.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat:
* Once hot, add meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding.
* Cook each side for about 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 4: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

In a medium bowl:
* Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper.
* Mix well until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Chill tzatziki sauce in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes:
* Serve juicy Greek chicken meatballs alongside tzatziki sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

Serving juicy Greek chicken meatballs with tzatziki can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delightful dish.

On a Bed of Greens

• Fresh Spinach – Serve the meatballs on a bed of fresh spinach for a light meal.
• Mixed Salad – Pair with a Mediterranean salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for added flavor.

With Pita Bread

• Warm Pita – Offer warm pita bread alongside the meatballs for a fun, hands-on meal.
• Pita Chips – Use crispy pita chips for dipping into the tzatziki sauce.

As an Appetizer

• Skewers – Thread the meatballs onto skewers for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
• Mini Bites – Serve smaller versions as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Herbed Rice – Serve the meatballs over lemon herb rice for a wholesome combination.
• Quinoa Salad – Pair with quinoa tossed in olive oil and herbs for a filling option.

How to Perfect Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

Creating the perfect juicy Greek chicken meatballs requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use fresh herbs – Fresh parsley and mint enhance the flavor of the meatballs significantly.
• Don’t overmix – Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatballs tender and avoid density.
• Chill before frying – Refrigerating the formed meatballs for 30 minutes helps them hold their shape while cooking.
• Test doneness – Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for food safety.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste your mixture before cooking; you can always add more salt or spices if needed.

Best Side Dishes for Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

Complementing your juicy Greek chicken meatballs with the right side dishes can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Greek Salad – A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables drizzled with olive oil and roasted until caramelized provide great texture.
3. Couscous – Fluffy couscous seasoned with lemon zest makes an excellent base for these flavorful meatballs.
4. Hummus – Creamy hummus adds another layer of flavor; serve it as an additional dip alongside tzatziki.
5. Tabbouleh – This bulgur wheat salad mixed with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice complements the dish well.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet grilled corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs nicely with savory flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki can be simple, but here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Overmixing the Meat: When combining the ingredients, overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add essential flavor. Avoid using dried herbs only; fresh makes a significant difference.
• Not Chilling the Tzatziki: Skipping the chilling step for the tzatziki sauce can result in bland flavors. Chill for at least 15 minutes to enhance taste.
• Crowding the Pan: Cooking too many meatballs at once leads to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches to achieve that perfect golden crust.
• Ignoring Internal Temperature: Undercooking meatballs can be unsafe. Always check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

• Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake meatballs for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet and warm meatballs over medium heat, turning occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs special?

These meatballs are packed with fresh herbs and spices, providing vibrant Mediterranean flavors that are both savory and refreshing.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey is an excellent alternative that works well in this recipe while maintaining similar flavors and textures.

How can I customize the tzatziki sauce?

You can add additional ingredients like garlic or different herbs such as cilantro or chives for variety in flavor.

Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These juicy meatballs store well and make great leftovers, perfect for meal prepping throughout your week.

What sides pair well with Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki?

Consider serving them with pita bread, salad, or roasted vegetables to create a complete Mediterranean meal.

Final Thoughts

Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Try this recipe today for an easy dinner that’s sure to impress!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki are a delightful fusion of flavor and simplicity, perfect for any gathering or family dinner. These tender meatballs are infused with fresh herbs and spices, offering a burst of Mediterranean taste that will leave everyone wanting more. Paired with a cooling tzatziki sauce made from creamy Greek yogurt and refreshing cucumber, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. Serve them on a bed of greens, alongside warm pita bread, or as bite-sized appetizers – the possibilities are endless!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, 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)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until just combined and form into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
3. For the tzatziki sauce: mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (drained), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Chill tzatziki for at least 15 minutes before serving with meatballs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 0.5g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg