Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Course: Main Course
Calories: Approximately 340 calories per serving
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound (450g) ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Zest of one lemon
For Serving
- Tzatziki sauce
- Warm pita bread
- Greek salad
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
Kitchen Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Measuring spoons
- Grater
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl combine:
- Ground chicken
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic
- Onion
- Feta cheese
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon zest
Mix everything together gently using your hands or a spoon until just combined.
Avoid overmixing because it can make the meatballs dense.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
You should have approximately 18–20 meatballs.
Place them evenly on the prepared baking tray.
Step 4: Bake
Brush or drizzle the tops with olive oil.
Bake for 18–20 minutes until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
For extra browning, broil for 2 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately with:
- Creamy tzatziki sauce
- Warm pita bread
- Greek salad
- Rice
- Couscous
- Roasted vegetables
Finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Cooking Tips
- Use freshly grated onion for extra moisture.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture.
- Slightly wet your hands before rolling meatballs.
- Bake instead of frying for a healthier version.
- Add chopped spinach for extra vegetables.
- A small amount of feta keeps the meatballs moist.
- Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
Spicy Mediterranean
Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
Gluten-Free
Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Dairy-Free
Leave out the feta cheese.
Herb Lover
Add fresh dill, basil, and mint.
Air Fryer Version
Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
These Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs pair wonderfully with:
- Greek salad
- Garlic yogurt sauce
- Tzatziki
- Hummus
- Lemon rice
- Couscous
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled vegetables
- Quinoa
- Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
Recipe Notes
- Ground chicken breast creates a leaner meatball, while ground chicken thighs make them even juicier.
- Fresh lemon zest brightens the flavors without making the mixture too acidic.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs while keeping them tender.
- Feta cheese adds a signature Mediterranean flavor and a creamy texture.
- These meatballs are excellent for meal prep and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Potassium: 470 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Calcium: 120 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
- Vitamin A: 6% DV
- Vitamin C: 10% DV
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.