Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs are a healthier twist on traditional meatballs, using lean ground chicken to keep them light while still being full of flavor. The addition of fresh herbs, garlic, and onion gives them an aromatic Mediterranean flavor that pairs perfectly with the cool and tangy homemade tzatziki sauce. The meatballs are easy to make, bake quickly, and are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

For the Chicken Meatballs:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Form the meatballs: Using your hands, form the chicken mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
4. Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:

1. Prepare the tzatziki: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh dill. Stir until well combined.
2. Season the sauce: Taste the tzatziki sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjust the lemon juice and garlic for more tanginess or flavor if desired.

Serve:

Once the meatballs are done, serve them warm with the tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. You can also drizzle the sauce over the meatballs if you prefer.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20 meatballs, which serves 4-6 people.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The meatballs will stay fresh for 3-4 days, and the tzatziki can be stored for up to 5 days. To reheat the meatballs, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for chicken and will work just as well in this recipe. The flavor and texture will be very similar.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce up to 2 days ahead of time. The flavors tend to meld together even more after sitting for a while, making it even more delicious!

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs. After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

Can I make these meatballs on the stovetop instead of baking them?

Yes, you can pan-fry the meatballs in a little olive oil over medium heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Can I add other herbs to the meatballs?

Absolutely! You can add other Mediterranean herbs such as oregano or thyme for a more complex flavor. Fresh mint would also be a great addition.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce without garlic?

Yes, you can skip the garlic in the tzatziki sauce if you’re not a fan of it, though it adds a lovely depth of flavor. You can also substitute with a little bit of onion powder for a milder flavor.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free version or almond flour to keep the meatballs gluten-free. Make sure to check that your tzatziki sauce ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I get the tzatziki sauce thick and creamy?

To ensure a thick tzatziki, squeeze out any excess moisture from the cucumber before adding it to the sauce. The more moisture you remove, the creamier the sauce will be.

Conclusion

These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki are a fantastic combination of light, flavorful meatballs paired with a cool, creamy sauce. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a delicious appetizer for a gathering. The tender meatballs, combined with the zesty tzatziki, will transport you to the Mediterranean with each bite! Easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to impress, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine.

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