Description
Delicious and healthy Greek Chicken Meatballs paired with a creamy homemade Tzatziki sauce. These flavorful meatballs are baked to perfection and seasoned with fresh herbs and lemon zest, creating a perfect Mediterranean meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- â…“ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, parsley, dill, oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, aiming to make about 18–20 evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (well-drained to avoid excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the warm meatballs alongside the chilled tzatziki sauce. These meatballs pair wonderfully with pita bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- To add extra browning and flavor, you can cook the meatballs in a skillet with a little oil instead of baking.
- Ensure the cucumber is thoroughly drained when making tzatziki to prevent a watery sauce.
- Fresh herbs like dill and parsley are crucial for authentic Greek flavor; avoid dried if possible.
