Description
Juicy Greek-style chicken meatballs seasoned with oregano, garlic, and lemon, served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat recommended)
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the tzatziki: Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. In a bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. Refrigerate while preparing meatballs.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, dill, oregano, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 20-24).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve meatballs with a side of homemade tzatziki. Garnish with extra dill or parsley if desired.
Notes
To keep meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Tzatziki can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Appetizer / Main
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 35 g