If you’re craving a delicious, flavorful dish that bursts with freshness and Mediterranean charm, this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with vibrant herbs like parsley, dill, and mint, creating an unforgettable harmony of taste and aroma. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special to impress friends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients into a wholesome, mouthwatering meal that’s irresistible every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, from the fresh herbs that infuse the meatballs with bright, zesty flavor, to the breadcrumbs that ensure the perfect tender, yet firm texture.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean base that is both healthy and able to soak up all the herbal goodness.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together without drying them out.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Adds just the right amount of structure and prevents meatballs from falling apart.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings fresh, slightly peppery notes essential to Greek cuisine.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill: Imparts a fragrant, slightly tangy flavor that sets these meatballs apart.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint: Adds a light, cooling brightness that complements the richness of the chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of savory depth to round out the flavors.
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion: Offers a subtle crunch and mild sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that enhances the Mediterranean vibe.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To balance and bring all flavors together.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat without overpowering the herbs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking): For a golden crust and that signature Mediterranean richness.
- Lemon wedges and tzatziki sauce for serving: Bright, tangy accompaniments that elevate every bite.
How to Make Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix Ingredients Gently
Begin by combining the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, dill, mint, minced garlic, chopped red onion, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to blend these flavors together until well mixed, but be careful not to overwork the meat, as that can lead to dense meatballs.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Next, form the mixture into approximately 1½-inch meatballs. Whether you use a small scoop or your hands, try to keep the size uniform so they cook evenly. This step is fun and a little therapeutic—feel free to make a few extra if you want more tasty bites!
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your meatballs in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan, or they won’t brown properly. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to get that beautiful golden crust on all sides and ensuring they’re cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
How to Serve Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch to your meatballs is all about fresh, vibrant garnishes. Serve them warm with wedges of lemon to squeeze over the top and dollops of cool tzatziki sauce. The citrus zest and creamy cucumber yogurt create a perfect balance to the herb-filled meatballs.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair wonderfully with light and refreshing sides. Think Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, or a bed of fluffy rice pilaf. Roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant also complement the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these meatballs as part of a mezze platter complete with pita bread, olives, and hummus. Alternatively, stuff them into warm pita pockets with lettuce and tzatziki for an irresistible handheld meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, on top of a creamy polenta or grilled veggies, they make for a comforting yet elegant dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They taste great cold or reheated, making them perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Arrange cooked and cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep up to two months and thaw quickly when you need a fast, tasty meal.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture just right without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones to keep this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe both delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs really make the dish shine, but if you only have dried, reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated—about one-third of the fresh quantity is a good rule of thumb.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes, baking is an excellent lighter alternative. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked through and golden.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. They should also feel firm but juicy and have no pink in the center.
What can I serve instead of tzatziki?
If you don’t have tzatziki, plain Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of dill works wonderfully as a quick, creamy dip that complements theherbs perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe is like inviting a little sunshine and Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table. It’s straightforward, fresh, and incredibly satisfying—a recipe that feels homemade and special without fuss. Once you make it, you’ll find plenty of occasions to bring these vibrant meatballs back into your cooking rotation. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 meatballs (4 servings)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy main course made with ground chicken and fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and mint. These tender meatballs are cooked on the stovetop until golden brown and served with tangy lemon wedges and creamy tzatziki sauce, making them a perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, dill, mint, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain juicy meatballs.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs using your hands or a small scoop to ensure even sizing for consistent cooking.
- Heat the skillet and cook: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, cooking them in batches if your skillet is not large enough to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook until golden and done: Cook the meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally so they brown evenly on all sides and reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Serve: Serve the cooked meatballs warm alongside lemon wedges and a side of creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- For a lighter option, bake the meatballs at 400°F for 18–20 minutes instead of frying.
- These meatballs work well for meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or served over rice or salads.
- Leftover meatballs freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
