Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
A delightful dish that combines succulent chicken meatballs infused with herbs and spices, served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320kcal
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb lean ground chicken Tender and juicy, providing a healthy protein base.
- 1/4 cup whole wheat panko Adds a pleasant crunch and texture.
- 1/4 cup grated onion (white or yellow) Sweet and aromatic, it enhances the meatballs’ flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Pungent and savory, it brings the flavors together.
- 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley Fresh and vibrant, adding a hint of color and brightness.
- 1/2 whole lemon, zest Invigorating citrusy notes that elevate every bite.
- 1 tsp dried oregano Herbaceous and earthy—a staple of Greek cuisine.
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander Warm and slightly sweet, it adds depth to the meatballs.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin Offering a warm, earthy flavor, it rounds out the spice profile.
- 1 large egg Binds the mixture, ensuring moist meatballs.
- 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled Creamy and tangy, providing a burst of flavor.
- pinch salt Enhances all the flavors.
- pinch black pepper Adds a slight kick.
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt Thick, creamy, and rich—an excellent base.
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber Cooling and crisp, balancing the richness.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill Herbaceous and aromatic, enhancing freshness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced Pungent and flavorful, it ties the tzatziki together.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Bright and zesty, adds a lovely tang.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the meatball mix.
- Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the meatball ingredients and mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and gently roll it into a ball. Repeat until all are formed.
Cooking
- Place the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix until fully combined. Chill in the refrigerator.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them hot alongside the chilled tzatziki sauce.
Notes
For a flavor boost, marinate the ground chicken with spices for at least 30 minutes beforehand. To prevent the tzatziki from being watery, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the cucumber.