Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki

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Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Greek Chicken Meatballs recipe served alongside a refreshing homemade Tzatziki sauce. These juicy and tender chicken meatballs are packed with herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon, offering a healthy and protein-rich option perfect for any time of day.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a meal prep session, or a party appetizer, these Greek-inspired bites will satisfy every craving. The homemade Tzatziki brings a cooling contrast to the warm, spiced meatballs, making each bite incredibly balanced and flavorful. This dish is not only simple to make but also bursting with freshness and nutrition. Let’s dive into a culinary journey to Greece, right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Homemade Tzatziki:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  1. Grate the cucumber and place it in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid a watery sauce.
  2. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, and lemon juice.
  3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are fully blended.
  4. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

For the Chicken Meatballs:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  2. Add breadcrumbs and the egg to the mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 18–22 meatballs depending on size.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  5. Cook the meatballs for 4–5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the warm Greek chicken meatballs with a generous dollop of chilled Tzatziki sauce.
  • These meatballs pair perfectly with a Greek salad, pita bread, or rice pilaf.
  • You can also skewer them and serve as appetizers with toothpicks and Tzatziki on the side for dipping.
  • For a low-carb option, serve with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce wraps.

This dish is a delightful mix of bold Mediterranean flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of tender, herbed meatballs and the creamy, garlicky Tzatziki is both refreshing and hearty. Perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or elegant dinner plates, this Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki recipe is a healthy crowd-pleaser you’ll return to again and again.

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