If you crave bold flavors and a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, then Greek Chicken Meatballs are calling your name! These juicy little bites are packed with aromatic herbs and spices that transport you straight to the sunny Mediterranean. Let’s dive in and convince your taste buds that they’re on vacation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: Each meatball bursts with fresh herbs and spices like dill, mint, and cumin.
- Quick to Make: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for a speedy weeknight meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy throughout the week for lunches or dinners.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences by swapping in alternative ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Greek Chicken Meatballs is their simplicity. Each component adds a burst of flavor, creating a cohesive and delicious dish. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Ground Chicken: Offers a lean protein base that easily absorbs all the vibrant flavors.
- Fresh Herbs (Dill and Mint): These provide the signature Greek flavor with a refreshing and aromatic touch.
- Red Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and slight crunch for texture.
- Minced Garlic: Enhances the savory profile of the meatballs, adding depth and richness.
- Lemon Zest: Brightens up the dish with a hint of citrus, balancing the earthy spices.
Variations
Whether you’re looking to spice things up or make the dish your own, there are plenty of ways to tweak these Greek Chicken Meatballs. Customize them with your favorite ingredients for a personal twist!
- Spice it Up: Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier kick, letting the heat mingle with the cooling herbs.
- Herb Substitutions: Swap out the mint for parsley or cilantro if these are more to your taste.
- Keto-Friendly: Serve over cauli-rice instead of traditional white rice to make it low-carb.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix to incorporate the spices thoroughly. Add in the fresh dill, mint, red onion, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Use your hands for an even blend to maintain a perfect texture.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Once your mix is ready, scoop out small portions using a cookie dough scoop. Roll each portion gently between your hands to form uniform, round meatballs. This helps ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, allowing them to brown for about 3-4 minutes per side. Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking in batches if necessary.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Balancing Ingredients: Use fresh lemon zest to cut through the rich flavors, vital for keeping the meatballs light and refreshing.
- Perfect Searing: Ensure the skillet is sufficiently hot before adding your meatballs for that perfect golden crust.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming and ensure even browning.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
Garnish your Greek Chicken Meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh dill or mint for a pop of color and fresh flavors. Feta cheese crumbles also make an excellent topping, adding a creamy tang.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair beautifully with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or lightly seasoned white rice. For an authentic touch, serve with warm pita bread and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider skewering the meatballs for an appetizer-style presentation or building a colorful platter to serve at parties. Layer them over a bed of greens for a stunning main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Greek Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful, ready for a quick meal the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid; then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, a quick sauté in a skillet works wonders to refresh their crispy exterior.
FAQs
-
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will soak up all those Mediterranean flavors just as beautifully.
-
What can I use instead of dill?
If dill isn’t your favorite, consider using fresh parsley or cilantro for a different yet delicious flavor profile.
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How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well-bound and not too wet; handling them gently when shaping helps maintain their structure during cooking.
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Can I bake the meatballs instead?
Yes, bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a taste of Greece to your kitchen with minimal fuss, these Greek Chicken Meatballs are your ticket. Dive into the world of rich flavors, and don’t be surprised if they become a staple in your menu. Give them a try and let your taste buds dance to the Mediterranean rhythm!
PrintGreek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 meatballs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
These flavorful Greek Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with fresh herbs and spices. Perfectly browned on the stovetop, they are served over crisp romaine, topped with feta, cucumber, tomato, rice, and creamy tzatziki for a delicious, healthy Mediterranean meal.
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 lettuce
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Cucumber, sliced
- Tomato, diced
- White rice, cooked
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, add the ground chicken with salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, chopped dill, chopped mint, diced red onion, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Use your hands to thoroughly combine all ingredients until evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Using a cookie dough scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and form into meatballs with your hands. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.
- Cook Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the hot skillet in batches if necessary. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Arrange the cooked meatballs over chopped romaine lettuce. Top with feta, sliced cucumber, diced tomato, a portion of cooked rice, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a complete Greek-inspired meal.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet to allow the meatballs to brown evenly.
- For a firmer texture, chill the meatball mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming into balls.
- You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary—use one-third the amount.
- Serve with extra tzatziki or your favorite Greek sauces for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with rice and vegetables
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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