If there’s a more enticing way to enjoy a burst of Mediterranean zest, it surely has to be these Greek Chicken Meatballs. Bursting with fresh herbs and warm spices, these little spheres of deliciousness are a testament to how Greek flavors can transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Freshness: The combination of dill, mint, and lemon zest gives these meatballs an irresistible freshness.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, these meatballs are perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy them as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or over a bed of rice and salad.
- Healthy and Delicious: Made with lean ground chicken, these are both flavorful and kind to your waistline.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of these ingredients is what makes the Greek Chicken Meatballs shine. Each component adds its unique flair, from the aromatic herbs to the perfectly ground spices, all working in harmony.
- Ground Chicken: Provides a lean base that’s perfect for absorbing all the vibrant flavors.
- Fresh Herbs: Dill and mint bring a fresh, herbaceous note that’s quintessential to Greek cuisine.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a zingy freshness that brightens up the entire dish.
- Ground Cumin and Oregano: These spices add warmth and depth, tying the flavors together beautifully.
Variations
The magic of Greek Chicken Meatballs lies in their versatility. There are countless ways to adapt them to fit your or your guests’ taste preferences, so don’t hesitate to get creative with these variations!
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes for a fiery version that will ignite your taste buds.
- Herb Swap: Use parsley instead of dill for a subtler herb flavor, or try basil for a unique twist.
- Texture Variation: Mix in some crumbled feta to add creaminess and a salty kick.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Knowing that everything is at your fingertips makes the assembly process smooth and enjoyable. Measure out your herbs, spices, and the essential ground chicken so you’re ready to dive right in.
Step 2: Mix and Shape
Combine the ground chicken, spices, herbs, and lemon zest in a bowl. Use your hands to mix everything until well combined, then form them into meatballs using a cookie dough scoop or heaping tablespoons, ensuring they are uniform in size.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes per side. They should be beautifully browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Perfect Mix: Ensure you mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Uniform Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all meatballs cook evenly.
- Batch Cooking: If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the meatballs in batches to maintain proper browning.
- Rest and Serve: Allow meatballs to rest a few minutes before serving to enhance juiciness.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crumbled feta over these Greek Chicken Meatballs enhances their Mediterranean charm. Fresh, chopped herbs like parsley or dill can also add a pop of color and an extra herbaceous note.
Side Dishes
Pair these meatballs with a classic Greek salad or serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice. A dollop of tzatziki on the side provides a refreshing contrast that ties the meal together.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your meatballs in pita bread pockets along with a salad, or create a fun platter with skewers for a more interactive dining experience. Your guests will love the playful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Greek Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make for an easy reheat-and-eat option for busy weeknights.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy a taste of Greece any time!
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs either in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, checking for a heated consistency that’s just right for your taste.
FAQs
-
Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even a beef/pork mixture can work wonderfully, though the flavors may vary slightly.
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Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free as there are no breadcrumbs or flour in the mix.
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What can I use in place of fresh herbs?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be substituted, though fresh yield a brighter flavor.
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What should the internal temperature be?
The meatballs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Greek Chicken Meatballs. Easy to prepare and even easier to love—they might just become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy cooking, and savor the journey that every bite promises!
Print
Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 meatballs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
These flavorful Greek chicken meatballs are packed with herbs and spices, then pan-fried to perfection. Served over fresh vegetables and rice with a tangy tzatziki sauce, they make a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
– 2 pounds ground chicken
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
– 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon olive oil, for frying
For Serving
– Chopped romaine
– Feta cheese, for serving
– Cucumber
– Tomato
– White rice
– Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, chopped dill and mint, diced red onion, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Use your hands to thoroughly mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Using a cookie dough scoop or tablespoon, portion out the mixture and shape into uniform meatballs with your hands, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to become hot, shimmering.
- Cook Meatballs: Carefully add the meatballs to the hot skillet in batches if necessary. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, turning until browned on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing from heat.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked meatballs over chopped romaine lettuce, and garnish with crumbled feta, sliced cucumber, chopped tomato, rice, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- If the meat mixture feels too wet, add a small amount of bread crumbs or oats to help bind it.
- For extra flavor, drizzle the meatballs with lemon juice before serving.
- These meatballs can also be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (about 100g)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
