The aroma of sizzling herbs and spices wafts through the kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. With each bite of these Greek chicken meatballs, your taste buds will embark on a delightful Mediterranean journey.
Picture this: it’s a sunny Sunday afternoon, family gathered around for a feast reminiscent of vacationing in Greece. Those tender, juicy little orbs of flavor have a way of sparking joy and laughter at any gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-follow recipe makes meal prep a breeze without sacrificing taste
- The vibrant colors and aromatic seasonings create an impressive dish for any occasion
- Perfectly seasoned and ready in under an hour, these meatballs are versatile enough for salads or as sliders
I still remember the first time I made these Greek chicken meatballs for my family; their delighted faces were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Chicken: Use lean ground chicken to keep the meatballs moist while minimizing fat content.
- Fresh Parsley: Opt for bright green parsley; it adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Red Onion: Finely diced red onion lends sweetness and depth to each bite.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor profile; avoid pre-minced varieties if possible.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the herbs beautifully.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These light breadcrumbs ensure that your meatballs stay fluffy without being dense.
- Eggs: One egg acts as a binder while keeping the mixture moist during cooking.
- Oregano: Dried oregano brings that quintessential Mediterranean flavor; feel free to use fresh if you have it!
- Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest brightens up the flavors tremendously.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in your meatballs.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter; it makes everything easier when you can see what you’re working with.
Create the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, parsley, onion, garlic, feta cheese, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Mix Well: Using clean hands (or a spoon), blend all ingredients gently but thoroughly until combined; be careful not to overwork the mixture.
Scoop Out Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form 1-inch balls; place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cook Them Up: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through—no one likes raw chicken!
Add Your Sauce (Optional): If desired, toss cooked meatballs in your favorite tomato sauce or yogurt dip before serving; they’ll soak up even more flavor!
There you have it! Your delicious Greek chicken meatballs are ready to be enjoyed by family and friends—or just you on the couch with Netflix!
These delightful bites are not only tasty but also incredibly versatile. Serve them as appetizers at your next party or toss them over pasta for dinner. They’re bound to impress anyone who takes a bite!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken meatballs recipe is not just about flavor; it’s a delightful way to impress your dinner guests
- The aroma alone will have everyone asking for seconds
- Plus, these meatballs are easy to make and perfect for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your ingredients well, then shape the meatballs before pan-searing them to lock in moisture. Finish cooking in the oven at 375°F for an even cook.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out breadcrumbs for crushed pita chips or add feta cheese into the mix. You can also spice them up with fresh herbs like oregano or dill.
Storing & Reheating
Store cooked Greek chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve juicy Greek chicken meatballs, use ground chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra flavor
- Always season your mixture well; bland meatballs are a crime against humanity!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing; give them space to brown beautifully
Sharing this recipe with friends turned into a mini family reunion. Everyone gathered around, laughing and swapping stories while devouring these delicious Greek chicken meatballs.
FAQ
Can I freeze Greek chicken meatballs?
Yes, freeze them after cooking in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
What should I serve with Greek chicken meatballs?
Serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Can I bake instead of fry Greek chicken meatballs?
Absolutely! Bake them at 375°F for approximately 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs 1x
Description
Savor the taste of the Mediterranean with these juicy Greek chicken meatballs, bursting with fresh herbs and spices, making them a perfect dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground chicken, parsley, onion, garlic, feta, panko breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (30g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg