Print

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Greek chicken meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

Juicy, herby Greek chicken meatballs are pan-fried or baked to golden perfection and served with a creamy, garlicky homemade tzatziki sauce. This easy, crowd-pleasing dinner is packed with Mediterranean flavor and perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (preferably a mix of thigh and breast)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular; use gluten-free or almond flour if needed)
  • 2 tbsp whole milk or Greek yogurt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup red onion, grated or finely minced
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil (for pan-frying or baking)
  • For the Tzatziki Sauce:
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably whole milk)
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt (to taste)
  • 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Grate 1/2 cup cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, 1 clove minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, olive oil, and salt. Stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.
  3. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk or yogurt. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to soften.
  4. Add ground chicken, beaten egg, grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, parsley, dill, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  5. Use a small scoop or heaping tablespoon to form 20-24 meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Place on a plate or parchment-lined tray.
  6. To pan-fry: Heat 2-3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  7. To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
  8. Serve meatballs warm with chilled tzatziki sauce. Garnish with extra dill or parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Don’t overmix the meatball mixture for best texture. Both meatballs and tzatziki can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of milk or yogurt. Air fryer works well for cooking. Add crumbled feta to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken meatballs, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean, healthy dinner, easy meatballs, gluten-free option, meal prep, high protein, low carb, family dinner

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/greek-chicken-meatballs-recipe-easy-juicy-dinner-with-tzatziki-sauce/