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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

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Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Tzatziki Chilling Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy

Servings: 4–5

Ingredients

For the Greek Chicken Meatballs

  • 1½ pounds ground chicken
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cucumber, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh dill
  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Kalamata olives

Kitchen Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Cheese grater
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon or cookie scoop
  • Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki

Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

In a bowl combine:

  • Greek yogurt
  • Grated cucumber
  • Garlic
  • Dill
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Mix until smooth.

Cover and refrigerate while preparing the meatballs.

Time: 10 minutes

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl combine:

  • Ground chicken
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Egg
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Parsley
  • Dill
  • Oregano
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Lemon zest
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Olive oil

Mix gently until everything is just combined.

Avoid overmixing because it can make the meatballs dense.

Time: 10 minutes

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs approximately 1½ inches wide.

Place them evenly on a parchment-lined baking tray.

You’ll get approximately 18–20 meatballs.

Time: 10 minutes

Step 4: Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes until:

  • Golden brown
  • Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
  • Juices run clear

For extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes.

Cooking Intensity: Medium-High Heat (400°F / 200°C)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Step 5: Rest

Allow the meatballs to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This helps retain their juices.

How to Serve

Serve the warm chicken meatballs with chilled tzatziki sauce alongside:

  • Warm pita bread
  • Greek salad
  • Roasted potatoes
  • Lemon rice
  • Couscous
  • Quinoa
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Fresh cucumber salad

You can also serve them inside wraps, grain bowls, or lettuce cups for a lighter meal.

Tips for Perfect Greek Meatballs

  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible.
  • Don’t overmix the chicken.
  • Squeeze all excess water from the cucumber.
  • Chill the tzatziki before serving for the best flavor.
  • Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
  • Add feta cheese to the meatball mixture for extra richness.
  • Brush lightly with olive oil before baking for a beautiful golden finish.

Variations

Spicy Version

Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Low-Carb Version

Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour.

Air Fryer Method

Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Pan-Fried Version

Cook in olive oil over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning frequently until fully cooked.

Cheese Lovers

Mix crumbled feta directly into the meatball mixture.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Tzatziki stays fresh for 3–4 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Microwave

Heat for 1–2 minutes.

Oven

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Air Fryer

Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

Recipe Tips

  • Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
  • Ground chicken keeps the meatballs tender and lean.
  • Refrigerating the tzatziki enhances its taste.
  • Don’t skip the resting time after baking.
  • Serve immediately for the juiciest texture.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 345
  • Protein: 31g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Potassium: 520mg
  • Calcium: 90mg
  • Iron: 2mg
  • Vitamin A: 6% DV
  • Vitamin C: 12% DV

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands used.

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