Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

There's something magical about the first bite of Greek Chicken Meatballs — tender, juicy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. The aroma of garlic, oregano, and fresh lemon fills your kitchen, making everyone eager to gather around the table.

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe during a summer trip to Santorini, where I fell in love with the vibrant and simple flavors of Greek cuisine. Since then, these meatballs have become a staple in our household, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. Let's dive into what makes these Greek Chicken Meatballs so irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Get ready to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your own kitchen. These Greek Chicken Meatballs are not just tasty—they're a lifesaver for anyone looking for an easy, healthy, and crowd-pleasing meal.

First, they come together in no time. With simple prep work and quick cooking, you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when time is tight but you still want a homemade meal.

They're also wonderfully healthy. Made with lean ground chicken, fresh herbs, and a light cooking method, these meatballs are a protein-packed option that won't weigh you down.

Budget-conscious cooks will appreciate the affordable ingredient list. Everything can be found at your local grocery store, often for under $15, making it easy to feed a family without breaking the bank.

Versatility is another big win here. Serve these meatballs in pita wraps, over a Greek salad, or alongside some lemon rice and tzatziki. They adapt beautifully to whatever you’re craving.

Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, these Greek Chicken Meatballs are sure to impress. Now let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Greek Chicken Meatballs lies in their fresh, simple ingredients that deliver bold, authentic flavors.

Ground chicken is the star of the show. I prefer using ground chicken thigh for its slightly higher fat content, which keeps the meatballs juicy and tender. However, ground chicken breast works well too if you're aiming for an even leaner option.

Garlic and onion provide the aromatic base. Freshly minced garlic offers that distinctive Mediterranean flavor, while grated onion not only adds sweetness but also moisture to keep the meatballs from drying out.

Fresh herbs like parsley and dill bring a burst of brightness to the mix. Don’t skip these—they really elevate the flavor and give the meatballs their signature Greek flair.

Feta cheese is crumbled right into the mixture, adding a salty, tangy punch in every bite. Opt for a high-quality block of feta rather than pre-crumbled for the best texture and taste.

For seasoning, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and pepper tie everything together. The lemon zest adds a hint of citrus that balances the richness of the chicken and feta beautifully.

You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe—just a good mixing bowl, a baking sheet or skillet, and a pair of clean hands to form your meatballs.

How To Make This Greek Chicken Meatballs

Making these Greek Chicken Meatballs is as straightforward as it gets. Follow along, and you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in no time.

Start by preparing your mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill, crumbled feta, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix everything together until fully combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough.

Next, shape the meatballs. Scoop out portions of the mixture, about the size of a golf ball, and roll them between your palms until smooth. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go will help keep things tidy.

For cooking, you have two excellent options. The first is baking: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning. This method is wonderfully hands-off and results in evenly cooked meatballs with a slight golden crust.

The second option is pan-frying. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them frequently until all sides are golden brown and the centers are cooked through, usually around 10-12 minutes.

Once cooked, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them moist when you bite in. In total, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes for a satisfying, home-cooked Greek feast.

Storage Options

These Greek Chicken Meatballs store beautifully, making them great for meal prep or leftovers.

If you plan to enjoy them within a few days, store the cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.

With these storage options, you can always have a quick and delicious meal ready to go.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to your preferences or what you have on hand.

If you don’t have ground chicken, try using ground turkey or even lean ground pork. Each option brings its own unique flavor and texture, all of which work beautifully with the Greek seasoning.

For a dairy-free version, you can omit the feta cheese entirely or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. The herbs and spices still shine, ensuring a flavorful meatball.

Feel free to experiment with additional herbs. Adding fresh mint or basil can provide a lovely variation and even more freshness to the dish.

If you like a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper. It gives the meatballs a subtle kick without overpowering the classic flavors.

Finally, you can switch up the cooking method by air frying the meatballs for an even crispier exterior with less oil. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. The core flavors are versatile enough to handle a little customization while still delivering that classic Greek taste.

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