Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, you’ve come to the right place! These Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki are a family favorite at my house. They bring together the savory goodness of ground chicken mixed with fresh herbs, all paired with a cool and creamy tzatziki that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

What makes these meatballs special is not just their delightful taste but also their ease of preparation. You can whip them up in no time, making them an ideal choice for both everyday meals and special occasions. Plus, they are packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just over 50 minutes, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore these juicy meatballs. They are fun to eat and pair perfectly with the refreshing tzatziki sauce!
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean ground chicken and fresh herbs, these meatballs are a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer, making meal prep a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You’ll find everything you need to create these delightful Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki right here.

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 1 clove, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to switch things up while still enjoying those amazing flavors.

• Swap the protein: Instead of ground chicken, try using ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist.
• Add some spice: If you like a kick of heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture.
• Try different herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique flavor profile.
• Make it a wrap: Serve the meatballs wrapped in pita bread with extra tzatziki and your favorite veggies for a delicious hand-held meal.

How to Make Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by preparing the chicken meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh mint, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these ingredients well ensures every bite is flavorful!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the egg to the mixture and gently mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture—this keeps your meatballs tender rather than dense.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs. Aim for about 20 meatballs depending on your size preference. Making them uniform helps them cook evenly.

Step 4: Cook in Skillet

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking them this way allows each one to get that beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 5: Brown All Sides

Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). This step is essential for flavor development!

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps your dish light and healthy.

Step 7: Make Tzatziki Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess water), minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these ingredients creates that cool accompaniment perfect for dipping!

Step 8: Chill Tzatziki

Mix everything together until well combined; then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Don’t forget to chill this sauce in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving—it really helps those flavors come together nicely.

Step 9: Serve Up!

Now it’s time to serve your juicy Greek chicken meatballs alongside that tasty tzatziki sauce for dipping! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

Creating the perfect juicy meatballs takes a little finesse, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing family and friends!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and mint not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant color to your meatballs. Dried herbs lack the brightness that fresh varieties bring to the dish.

• Avoid overmixing: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, while gentle handling ensures they stay tender.

• Ensure even cooking: Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding in the skillet, allowing for even browning and cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that golden exterior and juicy interior.

• Check doneness with a thermometer: Using a meat thermometer to ensure that your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F gives you peace of mind that they’re cooked through without being dry.

• Let them rest: Allowing the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain their juices, making each bite succulent and delicious.

How to Serve Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

Serving these delightful chicken meatballs is just as important as making them! Here are some ideas on how to present this dish beautifully while enhancing its Mediterranean flair.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or mint on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add a zesty squeeze that brightens up the flavors.
• Sliced olives: A handful of Kalamata or green olives can add a briny contrast that complements the chicken meatballs beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and feta cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) dressed with olive oil and oregano makes for a crisp complement.
• Pita Bread: Soft pita bread is perfect for scooping up tzatziki sauce or wrapping around meatballs, adding a delightful texture.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies seasoned with olive oil and herbs create a colorful and nutritious addition to your meal.
• Quinoa or Rice Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa or rice pilaf seasoned with lemon zest and herbs provides a hearty base that pairs wonderfully with the savory meatballs and cool tzatziki.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have an impressive spread that enhances your Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki experience! Enjoy every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki are perfect for meal prep, making your weeknight dinners not only delicious but also convenient. You can easily prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them for later use, ensuring you always have a healthy meal ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Keep the tzatziki sauce in a separate container to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, arrange cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the meatballs are frozen solid (about 1-2 hours).
• Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, labeling it with the date.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Serve with chilled tzatziki sauce straight from the refrigerator for the best flavor.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will still yield juicy and flavorful meatballs.

How do I serve Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki?

These meatballs are delicious served as an appetizer or as part of a main dish. Pair them with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or over rice for a complete meal.

Can I make tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

What can I serve alongside these meatballs?

Consider serving them with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread for a delightful Mediterranean feast.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

You can easily make these meatballs gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki! They are not just full of flavor but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your experiences—happy cooking!