Description
Delicious and juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs served with a refreshing homemade Tzatziki sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a healthy dinner or appetizer that brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Homemade Tzatziki
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined without overworking the mixture. Shape the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1½ inches in diameter for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked through.
- Make the Tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber with excess moisture squeezed out, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. Chill the tzatziki in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to meld the flavors before serving.
- Serve: Plate the hot chicken meatballs and spoon a generous amount of chilled homemade tzatziki sauce on the side or over the meatballs. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber to prevent watery tzatziki.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a similar flavor and texture.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- These meatballs can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
- Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
