Greek Chicken Meatballs!

Greek Chicken Meatballs 🇬🇷🍋

Juicy, herby, and packed with classic Greek flavors, these Greek Chicken Meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or stuffing into pita with tzatziki. Light but super satisfying.

Ingredients

Chicken Meatballs

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup red onion, finely grated or minced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ¾ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ½ tsp ground cumin or paprika

Instructions

1. Make the Meatball Mixture

• In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Mix gently just until combined (overmixing makes meatballs tough).

2. Shape the Meatballs

• Using a spoon or scoop, form mixture into golf-ball-size meatballs (about 1½ inches).

• Place on a plate or lined baking sheet.

Cooking Methods (Choose One)

Pan-Seared (Best Flavor)

• Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, for 10–12 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

Baked (Easy & Hands-Off)

• Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).

• Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway if desired.

Air Fryer

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

• Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Serving Ideas

• Stuff into warm pita with tzatziki, cucumber, and tomato

• Serve over lemon rice or orzo

• Pair with Greek salad or roasted vegetables

• Add to mezze platters with hummus and olives

FAQs

How do I keep chicken meatballs from drying out?

Grated onion, olive oil, and breadcrumbs keep them juicy. Don’t overcook and avoid overmixing.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and shape them up to 24 hours ahead or freeze them uncooked.

Can I freeze Greek chicken meatballs?

Absolutely.

• Uncooked: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag (up to 3 months).

• Cooked: Cool completely, freeze, and reheat in oven or skillet.

What’s the best sauce for these?

Tzatziki is classic, but they’re also great with:

• Lemon garlic yogurt sauce

• Tahini sauce

• Simple tomato-olive sauce

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Can I substitute ground turkey?

Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly with the same cooking times.

Quick Tzatziki (Optional)

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• ½ cucumber, grated & squeezed dry

• 1 clove garlic, grated

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt to taste.