Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

This Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce recipe is a delightful and healthy Mediterranean dinner that combines ground chicken, fresh herbs, and a creamy yogurt sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even as a filling for wraps, these meatballs are both flavorful and nutritious, making them a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of herbs like dill and parsley brings out the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve the meatballs alone, or pair them with tzatziki sauce in a wrap or with a salad for varied meal options.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean ground chicken and fresh veggies, this dish is packed with protein while being low in carbs.
• Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. They will help you prepare this delicious dish efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Grater
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cooking the meatballs evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped red onion, parsley, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs using your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure they don’t stick during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Drizzle olive oil over the formed meatballs. Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure it’s well-drained), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir well and chill until serving.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked through, serve the warm meatballs alongside tzatziki sauce on the side or drizzled over the top. Enjoy your flavorful Mediterranean meal!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your meal. Whether you want a light snack or a hearty meal, these meatballs paired with tzatziki will delight your taste buds.

As a Main Dish

• Serve the meatballs warm on a plate and drizzle tzatziki over the top for a flavorful main course.

In Pita Wraps

• Fill warm pita bread with meatballs, fresh veggies, and a generous dollop of tzatziki for a delicious wrap.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Place the meatballs over fluffy rice or quinoa and spoon tzatziki on top for a filling grain bowl.

With Fresh Salad

• Offer the meatballs alongside a fresh salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for a refreshing side.

As Appetizers

• Skewer the meatballs with toothpicks and serve them as bite-sized appetizers at gatherings.

How to Perfect Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

To achieve perfectly moist and flavorful Greek chicken meatballs, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and dill elevate the flavor profile significantly compared to dried herbs.
• Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients gently to avoid dense meatballs. Just mix until everything is incorporated.
• Chill before baking: Allowing the formed meatballs to chill for about 30 minutes helps them retain their shape while cooking.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture before forming the meatballs. Feel free to add more salt or spices based on your preference.
• Use lean ground chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken to keep your meatballs lighter while still being juicy.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Pairing delicious sides with Greek Chicken Meatballs can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers roasted until tender make a colorful complement.
3. Lemon Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with lemon juice and herbs adds brightness to your plate.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus grilled until tender-crisp offers great texture alongside the meatballs.
5. Hummus Platter: A selection of hummus served with pita chips or fresh vegetables creates an inviting appetizer spread.
6. Tabbouleh Salad: This herby bulgur salad packed with parsley and mint provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the outcome of your dish. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and dill add vital flavor. Don’t omit these ingredients; they’re key to achieving the authentic Greek taste.
• Overmixing the meat mixture: Mixing too aggressively can lead to tough meatballs. Combine ingredients until just mixed for a tender texture.
• Not draining the cucumber: A watery tzatziki can ruin the meal. Always grate and drain the cucumber well to maintain the right consistency.
• Ignoring cooking temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may result in unevenly cooked meatballs. Stick to 400°F (200°C) for perfectly cooked chicken meatballs.
• Forgetting to chill tzatziki: Serving tzatziki warm takes away its refreshing quality. Always chill it before serving for a cool, delicious contrast.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Greek Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

• Freeze meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
• Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place meatballs on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that often arise when preparing Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce:

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground chicken and will still provide a tasty outcome.

How long do Greek Chicken Meatballs last in the fridge?

These meatballs can last up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

What can I serve with Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce?

Consider pairing them with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can replace ground chicken with lentils or chickpeas and adjust seasonings accordingly for a vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make them perfect for any dinner table. Their versatility allows you to customize them based on your preferences—try adding different herbs or spices! Enjoy this healthy Mediterranean dish today!

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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce, a wholesome Mediterranean dish that’s perfect for any meal occasion. These juicy meatballs, made from lean ground chicken and infused with fresh herbs like parsley and dill, are baked to perfection and served alongside a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce. This healthy dinner option is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to be enjoyed as a main dish, in wraps, or over grains. Packed with protein and nutrients, this recipe is an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped red onion, parsley, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper; mix until just combined.
2. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
4. For the tzatziki sauce, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (well-drained), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and salt in a bowl; chill before serving.
5. Serve warm meatballs with tzatziki on the side or drizzled over the top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 meatballs (90g)
• Calories: 207
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg