When you’re looking for a meal that’s both delicious and simple to prepare, Greek chicken meatballs are an excellent choice. These tender, juicy meatballs are packed with fresh herbs and spices that bring authentic Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
What sets these chicken meatballs apart is the balance of bold flavors and simplicity. You get the zing of lemon, the earthiness of cumin and oregano, and the refreshing aroma of dill and mint—all working together to create something truly special. Unlike heavier meatball recipes, these are lighter thanks to the lean chicken and bright herbs.
You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen either. The prep time is just about ten minutes, and the cook time is roughly twenty minutes, so you have a wholesome meal on your table in half an hour. That’s perfect when your day is busy but you still want something nourishing and tasty.
These meatballs also give you plenty of options on how to serve them. You can place them on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, alongside creamy feta cheese and fresh tomatoes, or over fluffy white rice with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Each serving feels fresh, vibrant, and balanced.
If you’re someone who appreciates meals that are easy to customize, this recipe is ideal. You can add your own favorite herbs or veggies, or adjust the spices to suit your taste. It’s a flexible foundation for a variety of Greek-inspired dishes.
Ingredients for Your Greek Chicken Meatballs
To make this recipe, you’ll need a mix of fresh herbs, ground chicken, and a few key spices. Here’s the list you’ll gather before you start:
- 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, you can prepare:
- Chopped romaine lettuce
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Sliced cucumber
- Diced tomato
- White rice
- Tzatziki sauce
How to Make Your Greek Chicken Meatballs
Start by placing all your meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl. Use your hands to blend everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the herbs, spices, and garlic are evenly distributed throughout the chicken. This hands-on mixing ensures your meatballs will have consistent flavor and a good texture.
Once mixed, scoop the mixture using a tablespoon or a cookie dough scoop, and roll the portions into meatballs. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly—about one inch in diameter works well.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add your meatballs in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan; if necessary, cook in batches to allow enough space for browning.
Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. The key is to get them nicely seared without burning, so adjust your heat as needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating they’re fully cooked.
Once done, remove the meatballs from the skillet and let them rest briefly. This helps keep them juicy and tender.
How to Serve Your Greek Chicken Meatballs
Serving these meatballs is a joy because you have so many fresh and tasty options. One classic way is to place them over a bed of chopped romaine lettuce. The crisp greens add crunch and balance the warm, soft meatballs perfectly.
Add crumbled feta cheese on top for a salty, creamy touch that pairs beautifully with the herbs in the meatballs. Fresh cucumber slices and ripe tomatoes bring brightness and a cool contrast to the warm dish.
For something more filling, serve your meatballs alongside fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful juices and makes the meal heartier.
Don’t forget a generous dollop of homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce on the side. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it the perfect complement to the savory meatballs.
You can also serve the meatballs as appetizers by skewering them and offering a dipping bowl of tzatziki for guests to enjoy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Meatballs
To make your meatballs truly stand out, here are some expert pointers:
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill and mint give the meatballs a bright, authentic flavor that dried herbs can’t match. Chop them finely to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just enough to bring everything together. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough.
- Uniform size matters: Use a scoop or spoon to portion out the meatballs evenly. This ensures they cook consistently and look professional.
- Sear, then cook through: Browning the meatballs in a hot pan seals in juices and creates a delicious crust. Then cook gently to finish without drying them out.
- Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat but still juicy.
- Make tzatziki fresh: A fresh yogurt sauce with cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill elevates the dish and complements the flavors perfectly.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the heat level by varying red pepper flakes or adding a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
How to Store Your Greek Chicken Meatballs
If you have leftovers, storing them properly keeps them tasty and safe to eat. Place cooled meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Avoid overheating as that can dry them out.
You can also freeze cooked meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
If you want to save time, you can freeze raw meatballs before cooking. Place them on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations to Try with Your Greek Chicken Meatballs
One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste. Here are some ideas to customize your meatballs:
- Swap chicken for turkey: Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a slightly different flavor and texture while keeping it lean.
- Add vegetables: Finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or grated carrots mixed into the meat can add nutrition and moisture.
- Change up the herbs: Try adding parsley or basil for a different herbal twist.
- Use different spices: Incorporate smoked paprika, coriander, or sumac to give a new dimension of flavor.
- Bake instead of fry: For a lighter option, bake your meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve with pita bread: Wrap the meatballs in warm pita with tzatziki and veggies for a Greek-style sandwich.
- Make meatball skewers: Thread the meatballs onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and peppers for a fun presentation.
These variations let you enjoy the recipe many ways without losing the authentic Greek essence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Meatballs
What makes these meatballs Greek?
These meatballs include traditional Greek flavors like dill, mint, oregano, garlic, and lemon zest. Paired with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies, they capture the essence of Greek cuisine.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or even lamb can be used, but chicken keeps them light and healthy.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). They should be golden brown outside and firm but juicy inside.
What is the best way to serve these meatballs?
Serve them over romaine lettuce with feta, cucumber, tomato, and tzatziki for a fresh meal. You can also serve with rice or in pita bread for a more filling option.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze them for longer storage.
Is there a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian twist, try replacing ground chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas mashed with herbs and spices, then form into patties or balls and cook similarly.
Greek Chicken Meatballs
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. ground oregano
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil (for frying)
- for serving chopped romaine lettuce
- for serving crumbled feta cheese
- for serving sliced cucumber
- for serving diced tomato
- for serving white rice
- for serving tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, dill, mint, red onion, garlic, and lemon zest. Mix gently until well combined.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture and roll into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer without crowding the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove meatballs from skillet and let them rest briefly before serving.
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