Greek Chicken Meatballs: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs: Prepare to be transported to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy recipe! Forget bland, boring meatballs – these are bursting with fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and a hint of garlic, creating a taste sensation that will have everyone begging for more.

Meatballs, in general, have a long and storied history, appearing in various forms across countless cultures. While the exact origins of Greek meatballs, or “keftedes,” are difficult to pinpoint, they’ve undoubtedly been a staple of Greek cuisine for generations. Often served as part of a meze platter, these savory bites are a symbol of hospitality and shared meals, bringing people together around the table.

What makes these Greek Chicken Meatballs so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The lean ground chicken keeps them light and healthy, while the addition of feta cheese adds a creamy, salty tang. The fresh dill and oregano provide that signature Greek aroma, and the lemon juice brightens everything up. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a main course with a side of tzatziki, or tucked into a warm pita, these meatballs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I think you’ll find this recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a taste of Greece any night of the week!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 1.5 lbs ground chicken (preferably thigh meat for more flavor)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Lemon-Herb Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional Garnishes:
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Preparing the Chicken Meatball Mixture

Okay, let’s get started! First, we’re going to create the base for our delicious Greek chicken meatballs. This is where all the amazing flavors come together, so pay close attention to the details.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic is no fun! Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onion-garlic mixture cool slightly. This is important because you don’t want to cook the egg when you add it to the meatball mixture.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion-garlic mixture, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, chopped mint, beaten egg, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Season Generously: Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy! Taste a small amount of the mixture (before adding the egg, of course!) to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
4. Mix Gently: Using your hands (or a wooden spoon), gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. We want them to be tender and juicy!
5. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. I like to use a small cookie scoop to ensure they are all uniform in size, which helps them cook evenly. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Cooking the Chicken Meatballs

Now that we have our beautiful meatballs formed, it’s time to cook them! You have a couple of options here: baking or pan-frying. I personally prefer pan-frying for the extra flavor and crispy exterior, but baking is a healthier and easier option.

Pan-Frying Method:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the meatballs without overcrowding. If necessary, cook them in batches.
2. Sear the Meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet, leaving some space between them. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked properly.
3. Remove and Set Aside: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Baking Method:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned. Again, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Preparing the Lemon-Herb Sauce

While the meatballs are cooking (or after they’re done), let’s whip up the star of the show: the lemon-herb sauce! This sauce is bright, flavorful, and perfectly complements the Greek flavors of the meatballs.

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet you used to pan-fry the meatballs (or a clean skillet if you baked them), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. This step is optional, but it can help the sauce cling to the meatballs better.
4. Add the Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, dill, and oregano.
5. Finish with Butter: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the butter until it is melted and the sauce is glossy. This adds richness and a beautiful sheen to the sauce.
6. Season to Taste: Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Bringing It All Together

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to combine the meatballs and the sauce for a flavor explosion.

1. Add the Meatballs to the Sauce: Gently add the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the lemon-herb sauce.
2. Simmer and Coat: Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and well coated with the sauce. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These Greek chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways! Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
• In Pita Bread: Stuff the meatballs into warm pita bread with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a delicious Greek-inspired sandwich.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the meatballs alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a healthy and flavorful meal.
• With a Greek Salad: Pair the meatballs with a classic Greek salad for a light and refreshing meal.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these Greek chicken meatballs are sure to be a hit! Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Greek Chicken Meatballs are so much more than just a simple recipe; they’re a passport to the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean, right in your own kitchen. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, and here’s why: the combination of lean chicken, fresh herbs, and tangy feta creates a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and incredibly healthy. Forget boring weeknight dinners – these meatballs are a game-changer!

But the best part? They’re incredibly versatile. I’ve given you the base recipe, but feel free to get creative!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Greek Platter: Serve these meatballs warm with a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce, a side of warm pita bread, a vibrant Greek salad, and some lemon wedges. It’s a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing.
* Meatball Gyro: Stuff the meatballs into a warm pita pocket with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and tzatziki for a delicious and portable lunch or dinner.
* Meatball Skewers: Thread the meatballs onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, and red onion for a fun and flavorful appetizer. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
* Meatball Pasta: Toss the meatballs with your favorite pasta shape and a light tomato sauce for a hearty and comforting meal. Add some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
* Lemon Herb Rice Bowl: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy lemon herb rice with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little kick.
* Go Vegetarian: While this recipe is for chicken meatballs, you could easily adapt it using ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Cheese Swap: Not a fan of feta? Try using crumbled goat cheese or ricotta instead. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor profile.
* Herb Garden: Experiment with different herbs! While I love the combination of oregano, dill, and mint, you could also try adding parsley, thyme, or even a touch of rosemary.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe for Greek Chicken Meatballs, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, flavorful, and healthy way to bring a taste of Greece to your table.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own! Cooking should be fun and creative, so let your imagination run wild.

Once you’ve made these amazing meatballs, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the serving suggestions or variations? What did you think of the flavor? Share your photos and comments with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!