Description
Juicy Greek chicken meatballs packed with herbs and lemon, served with a creamy, tangy homemade tzatziki sauce. This healthy, Mediterranean-inspired dinner comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (93% lean recommended)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular; use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh mint or dill, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional garnish)
- Extra chopped herbs (parsley, dill, or mint, optional garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Grate the onion and cucumber. Squeeze the cucumber in a paper towel to remove excess liquid.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, parsley, dill, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix gently until just combined.
- Using damp hands, shape the mixture into 16-18 small meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Place on a plate.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer, without crowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, then turn and cook another 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Arrange meatballs on a platter or plates. Serve with tzatziki sauce on the side or drizzled over the top. Garnish with crumbled feta, chopped herbs, and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender. Squeeze cucumber well for thick tzatziki. Use fresh herbs for best flavor, but dried work in a pinch. For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and skip feta. Meatballs can be baked at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Leftovers are great for wraps or salads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs & 2 tbsp tzatziki
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Greek chicken meatballs, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean, healthy dinner, easy meatballs, meal prep, gluten-free option, dairy-free option, high protein, skillet meatballs