The aroma of freshly baked Greek chicken meatballs wafts through your kitchen like an inviting hug. Picture golden-brown orbs of juicy chicken mingling with fragrant herbs and spices that make your mouth water just thinking about them.
These delightful morsels are perfect for cozy family dinners or lively gatherings with friends. Whether you serve them with tzatziki sauce on the side or toss them into a pasta dish, Greek chicken meatballs promise a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
– Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, making dinner a breeze even on busy nights.
– Bursting with Mediterranean flavors from fresh herbs and spices that dance on your palate.
– Visually appealing with their golden-brown color, perfect for impressing dinner guests.
– Versatile enough for various dishes – serve as appetizers, over pasta, or in pita sandwiches.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These delicious Greek chicken meatballs bring the taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen without fuss
- They cook quickly and look fabulous on any plate
- Perfectly paired with fresh veggies or pasta, they’re versatile enough for any meal occasion
One time I made these Greek chicken meatballs for a family gathering, and they vanished faster than I could say “Opa!” Everyone raved about them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Chicken: Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier option that still delivers amazing flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Opt for plain breadcrumbs; they help bind the mixture while keeping it tender.
- Fresh Parsley: Use finely chopped parsley to add freshness and vibrant color to the mix.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor profile; always use whole cloves instead of pre-minced.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a delightful tanginess that complements the dish beautifully.
- Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest brightens up the flavors; don’t skip this vital ingredient!
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it brings rich flavor and aroma.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings are essential; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all ingredients on your countertop. Finely chop the parsley and mince the garlic cloves so they’re ready to go.
Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, feta cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands to mix until fully incorporated.
Shape Your Meatballs: Scoop out portions of the mixture using your hands or an ice cream scoop to create uniform balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Sear Those Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add meatballs in batches without overcrowding and sear until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer seared meatballs onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
Savor the Flavors: Once cooked through, let them rest briefly before serving. They pair wonderfully with tzatziki sauce or over a bed of fresh greens!
Now you’re armed with all you need to make incredible Greek chicken meatballs that will tantalize taste buds at any mealtime! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken meatballs recipe is not just about flavor; it’s also a delightful way to sneak in veggies
- The aroma alone can make your neighbors envious, and the versatility allows for endless customization
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the ingredients for the Greek chicken meatballs while preheating your oven. Bake them until golden brown, then prepare your sauce so everything is ready at once.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out breadcrumbs for oats or add feta cheese for an extra zing. Herbs like dill or mint can elevate the flavor, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep them juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked Greek chicken meatballs, ensure they are uniformly sized; this guarantees even cooking
- Don’t skip chilling the mixture before shaping; it helps maintain their form
- Always taste your mixture before cooking to adjust seasoning just right!
Cooking these Greek chicken meatballs reminded me of a family gathering where everyone raved about the flavors. It felt rewarding to see them disappear as fast as I could plate them!
FAQ
What can I serve with Greek chicken meatballs?
Serve them with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I freeze Greek chicken meatballs?
Yes, freeze them uncooked or cooked; just ensure they’re well-packed.
How do I know when my meatballs are fully cooked?
Cooked meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Greek chicken meatballs are a flavorful, tender delight that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. Easy to prepare and versatile, they’re perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients; finely chop parsley and mince garlic.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, feta, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer seared meatballs to a parchment-lined tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Let rest before serving with tzatziki sauce or salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (30g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Substitute breadcrumbs with oats for a healthier option. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can add unique flavors. Chill the mixture before shaping to improve handling.