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
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and setting up a baking surface with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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