Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe Juiciest Ever Made

Crisp Mediterranean winds carry the zesty aroma of these delectable greek chicken meatballs that dance with vibrant herbs and spices.

Succulent meat blends seamlessly with classic Hellenic ingredients, creating a dish that whispers stories of sunny coastal villages.

Garlic and oregano weave their magic through each tender morsel, promising an explosion of flavor.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this recipe, passing down techniques that make these meatballs sing with authenticity.

Juicy and light, they break away from traditional beef versions with a healthier protein approach.

Herbs plucked from windswept slopes infuse each bite with the essence of Greek landscapes.

You’ll want to gather friends around the table and savor these delightful little treasures straight from the Mediterranean.

What to Serve with Greek Chicken Meatballs

  • Select a zesty Greek assyrtiko or sauvignon blanc that cuts through the rich, herby meatball flavors with bright, citrusy notes.
  • Create a cool, tangy tzatziki sauce using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill to balance the warmth and spices of the chicken meatballs.
  • Craft a fresh Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory meatballs.
  • Offer soft, warm pita bread as a perfect vessel for wrapping meatballs, allowing guests to create their own Mediterranean-style sandwich with added texture and comfort.

Seasoning Ideas for Greek Chicken Meatballs

  • Gluten-Free Greek Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original flavor profile.
  • Swap ground chicken with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based ground meat substitute, keeping feta and herbs for authentic Greek taste.
  • Low-Carb Greek Bites: Eliminate breadcrumbs entirely and use grated zucchini or cauliflower rice as a binding agent, perfect for keto diet followers.
  • Dairy-Free Greek Option: Substitute feta cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can enjoy these flavorful meatballs.

Why Greek Chicken Meatballs Are a Weeknight Win

  • Packed with lean protein from ground chicken, fresh herbs, and minimal added fats, these meatballs offer a nutritious alternative to traditional beef or pork versions.
  • Infuse your meal with authentic Greek tastes through feta cheese, dill, oregano, and cumin, transporting your taste buds to a sunny coastal kitchen.
  • Versatile enough for casual family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests, these meatballs can be served multiple ways- as appetizers, in sandwiches, or alongside salads.

What You’ll Need for Greek Chicken Meatballs

Protein Base:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein with mild flavor, perfect for light and healthy meatballs. Choose fresh, high-quality ground chicken for best texture.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold meatballs together and provide structure. Use plain breadcrumbs for neutral flavor.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Feta Cheese, Garlic, Parsley, Dill, Oregano, Cumin: Bold Mediterranean seasonings that give authentic Greek taste. Fresh herbs add brightness and depth.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Lemon Zest: Essential for seasoning and adding bright citrus notes. Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Blend Flavors Together

In a roomy mixing bowl, toss in:
  • Ground chicken
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Egg
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped parsley
  • Fresh dill (optional)
  • Dried oregano
  • Ground cumin
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Lemon zest

Gently fold everything together until just combined. Don’t go crazy mixing- you want the meatballs tender.

Step 3: Create Perfect Morsels

Scoop out small portions using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Roll each into bite-sized balls about 1½ inches wide. Arrange them on the baking sheet with a little breathing room between each.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check they’ve hit 165°F at the center.

Step 5: Serve With Mediterranean Flair

Plate these tasty meatballs alongside cool tzatziki, fresh lemon wedges, and a crisp Greek salad. For a handheld option, stuff them into warm pita bread for an instant flavor explosion.

Tips for Juicy Greek-Style Meatballs

  • Boost Chicken Meatball Perfection: Expert Tips
  • Gentle Mixing Magic: Handle the ground chicken mixture with a light touch to keep meatballs tender and juicy. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough results that nobody wants.
  • Moisture Matters: Add a splash of Greek yogurt or grated zucchini to prevent dry meatballs and increase the overall moisture content for a more succulent bite.
  • Size Consistency Wins: Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to ensure uniform meatball sizes, which guarantees even cooking and professional-looking presentation.
  • Flavor Amplification: Toast herbs and spices briefly before mixing to release their essential oils, intensifying the authentic Greek flavor profile of your meatballs.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare extra meatballs and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals that taste just as delicious.

Save and Reheat Meatballs Without Drying Them Out

  • Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs in a preheated 350F oven for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165F to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Heat meatballs in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
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Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Greek chicken meatballs dance with Mediterranean flavors, bringing zesty herbs and tangy feta to life. Mediterranean comfort meets kitchen creativity, inviting you to savor each perfectly seasoned bite of culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 large egg

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Serving Options:

  • Tzatziki sauce
  • Lemon wedges
  • Greek salad or pita bread

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and setting up a baking surface with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
  2. Create a comprehensive mixture by blending ground chicken with breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, whisked egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, optional dill, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and freshly grated lemon zest. Gently fold ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding excessive manipulation that could compromise meatball tenderness.
  3. Utilize a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the protein mixture, carefully rolling each portion into uniform spheres approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking surface with minimal spacing between them.
  4. Position the meatball-laden tray in the preheated oven, allowing them to roast for 18-20 minutes. Confirm doneness through golden-brown exterior coloration and reaching an internal temperature of 165F (74C), ensuring complete protein cooking.
  5. Present the Mediterranean-inspired meatballs accompanied by cooling tzatziki sauce, bright lemon wedges, and a crisp Greek salad. Alternatively, nestle the protein spheres within soft pita bread for a handheld culinary experience that captures traditional Greek flavor profiles.

Notes

  • Prevent dry meatballs by avoiding overmixing the ground chicken and using a gentle hand when combining ingredients.
  • Keep moisture levels balanced by adding a splash of olive oil or Greek yogurt to the meat mixture if the ground chicken seems too lean.
  • Enhance flavor flexibility by experimenting with alternative herbs like mint or swap feta with another crumbly cheese like goat cheese for different taste profiles.
  • Accommodate gluten-free diets by replacing breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko, maintaining the meatballs’ tender texture while making them suitable for diverse dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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