Feta-Stuffed Greek Chicken Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Tzatziki
A delightful Mediterranean dish featuring tender chicken meatballs stuffed with creamy feta cheese, served with a refreshing roasted garlic tzatziki.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320kcal
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken Lean protein option
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) Panko creates a lighter texture
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion Adds sweetness and depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped Fresh herbs add vibrancy
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped Pairs well with chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Classic Mediterranean flavor
- 1 tablespoon zest of lemon For brightness
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Balances flavors
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten Acts as a binder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Season to preference
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-searing) For cooking meatballs
- 3 ounces feta cheese, cut into small cubes Adds a creamy surprise
For the Roasted Garlic Tzatziki
- 1 cup thick, creamy Greek yogurt Base for tzatziki
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and well-drained Adds crunch and freshness
- 1 whole head of garlic, roasted For a subtle, sweet flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for tzatziki) Enhances flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (for tzatziki) For aromatic flavors
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tzatziki) Adds richness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste) Season to preference
Instructions
Roasting the Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the top off a whole head of garlic, drizzle it with olive oil, and wrap it in foil.
- Roast for about 30–40 minutes until the cloves turn golden and soft. Allow it to cool.
- Squeeze out the roasted garlic and mash it into a smooth paste for your tzatziki.
Making the Tzatziki
- In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, mashed roasted garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle with olive oil and stir until well-combined. Cover and refrigerate.
Preparing the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper.
- Take a small portion of the mixture, flatten it, and place a cube of feta cheese in the center.
- Wrap the mixture around the cheese to form a meatball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Cooking the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add meatballs in batches and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
Serving
- Arrange cooked meatballs on a serving platter, serve with roasted garlic tzatziki, and garnish with dill and olive oil.
Notes
For a healthier twist, consider using half ground turkey and half ground chicken or whole-wheat breadcrumbs. Meatballs can be frozen for up to three months.