Description
These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki are a delicious and healthy meal that combines the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The juicy chicken meatballs are packed with herbs and lemon, and the homemade tzatziki sauce adds a creamy, cool contrast. Perfect for a light dinner or appetizer!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, mint (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Drizzle with olive oil, mix again, and refrigerate until ready to serve. - Prepare the Chicken Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the beaten egg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined. - Shape the Meatballs:
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. - Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. - Serve:
Arrange the meatballs on a platter and serve with a side of homemade tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges. These meatballs go great with warm pita bread or a Greek salad!
Notes
- You can make the tzatziki sauce in advance and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld.
- If you prefer a richer tzatziki sauce, you can add a little extra olive oil or use full-fat Greek yogurt.
- To ensure the meatballs are cooked through, you can check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
- These meatballs are great for meal prep. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the tzatziki sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg