These tasty Greek chicken meatballs are packed with herbs and spices for a burst of flavor. Pair them with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s fun to eat!
Making these meatballs is a breeze! I love rolling them up and dipping them in tzatziki like it’s my new favorite sport. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked too! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is a key ingredient for the meatballs. You can substitute it with ground turkey or even ground beef if you prefer. Chicken keeps it lighter, but feel free to choose what you like best!
Breadcrumbs: Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a nice texture and flavor. If you don’t have them, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers will work. For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness to the meatballs. If you’re out, use pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. Both still offer a cheesy flavor!
Fresh Parsley: It makes the dish vibrant and fresh. Substitute with fresh cilantro or basil for a different flavor. Dried versions can work, but fresh gives the best result.
Greek Yogurt: Essential for tzatziki, Greek yogurt provides creaminess. Sub with plain yogurt or a dairy-free option like cashew yogurt for a lighter alternative.
How Do I Get Perfectly Shaped Meatballs?
Shaping meatballs can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll get them just right! The key is to handle the mixture gently to avoid tough meatballs.
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until just combined – don’t overmix!
- Wet your hands to prevent sticking when shaping the meatballs.
- Take a scoop of the mixture (about 1.5 inches) and roll it in your palms until smooth.
- Arrange them on a baking sheet or in the skillet without crowding to ensure even cooking.
How Can I Make Creamy and Flavorful Tzatziki?
The tzatziki sauce is super easy, but a few steps can take it to the next level. Grating the cucumber and draining it is vital to avoid a watery sauce.
- Use a box grater to grate the cucumber, then squeeze it with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl and taste to adjust the seasoning. A little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavor!
- Chilling it for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa
- Sliced cucumbers
- Grape tomatoes, halved
- Mixed greens
- Feta cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare the meatballs and tzatziki sauce, plus an additional 20-25 minutes to cook the meatballs. Overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour from start to finish. Perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and the beaten egg. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined and sticky.
2. Form the Meatballs:
Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). With your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 16-20 meatballs, depending on how big you make them. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or baking sheet.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook them until they’re browned on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, for a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
4. Prepare the Tzatziki:
While the meatballs are cooking, let’s make the tzatziki sauce! In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and a little salt. Stir all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. Taste it and add more salt if needed. Pop it into the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Once the meatballs are ready, it’s time to put everything together! Start by serving the cooked meatballs over a base of either brown rice or quinoa. Next, add some sliced cucumbers, halved grape tomatoes, and a handful of mixed greens on the side. Don’t forget to drizzle that delicious homemade tzatziki sauce over everything and sprinkle with feta cheese if you’re feeling fancy!
6. Serve:
Now, enjoy your warm Greek chicken meatballs with tzatziki sauce! You can garnish with extra parsley or dill for an added touch. This dish is fresh, flavorful, and sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will still provide a delicious flavor. Just keep in mind that ground turkey can sometimes be a bit drier, so you might want to add a little extra olive oil or a splash of chicken broth to the mixture if you notice it’s too lean.
How to Make the Tzatziki Ahead of Time?
You can definitely make the tzatziki sauce a day in advance! Just prepare it as directed, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delicious by the time you’re ready to serve!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet or the oven until heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Meatball Mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or grated carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to finely chop or grate them to maintain the meatball texture. Adjust the breadcrumbs slightly if the mixture seems too wet!
