Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Recipe
If you’re craving a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s both comforting and refreshing, Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki is your new weeknight hero. Picture juicy, herb-flecked meatballs bursting with bright lemon and aromatic herbs, paired with a creamy, garlicky tzatziki that cools and dazzles in every bite. The combination is irresistibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing friends. This dish brings a taste of Greece right to your kitchen, and you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the authentic flavors and textures that make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki so special. From the fresh herbs to the tangy yogurt, every element brings something unique to the table.
- Ground chicken: Lean and tender, it’s the perfect canvas for soaking up all those Mediterranean flavors.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them juicy rather than dry.
- Finely chopped red onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Minced garlic: Essential for depth and that classic Greek flavor punch.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Gives freshness and a vibrant green fleck throughout the meatballs.
- Chopped fresh dill: The secret to that unmistakable Greek aroma—don’t skip it!
- Dried oregano: Brings a warm, earthy note that’s signature in Greek cuisine.
- Lemon zest: Brightens everything up and lifts the whole dish.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors.
- Black pepper: For a gentle kick that balances the herbs.
- Olive oil (for cooking): Adds richness and helps the meatballs brown beautifully in the pan.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the tzatziki, rich in protein and tangy flavor.
- Grated cucumber (squeezed dry): Brings crunch and refreshing coolness to the sauce.
- Minced garlic (for tzatziki): Infuses the sauce with a gentle, savory heat.
- Lemon juice: Lends a zippy brightness that ties the sauce together.
- Chopped fresh dill (for tzatziki): Echoes the flavors in the meatballs and adds classic Greek flair.
- Olive oil (for tzatziki): Enriches the sauce and brings all the ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Fine-tune the tzatziki to your perfect flavor level.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, red onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a fork, being careful not to overwork the mixture. This ensures your Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki turn out tender and juicy instead of tough or dense.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Using a small scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. A light touch is key! The less you handle the meat, the lighter the texture. Place the meatballs on a plate or tray as you go, ready for their quick trip to the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. The aroma will be irresistible! Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and repeat with the remaining batch.
Step 4: Make the Homemade Tzatziki
While the meatballs sizzle away, it’s time to whip up your sauce. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated (and squeezed dry) cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and taste for seasoning. Chill the tzatziki in the fridge while you finish the meatballs—this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange the warm meatballs on a platter and serve with a generous dollop of tzatziki on the side, or drizzle it right over the top. Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki is best enjoyed fresh, with all the vibrant flavors popping in every bite.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki
Garnishes
Top your dish with extra fresh dill, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of lemon zest to add color and an extra burst of freshness. A few thin slices of red onion or a light dusting of smoked paprika make the plate pop and invite everyone to dig in. Don’t forget a drizzle of good olive oil over the tzatziki for that classic Mediterranean finish.
Side Dishes
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki shine alongside warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a crisp Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta. You can also pile the meatballs and tzatziki onto a bed of greens for a lighter meal, or serve with roasted vegetables for hearty comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these meatballs into the star of a Mediterranean platter with stuffed grape leaves, marinated olives, and grilled veggies. Or, tuck them into pita pockets with lettuce, tomatoes, and tzatziki for a Greek-inspired sandwich. For parties, serve the meatballs with toothpicks and a bowl of tzatziki for dipping—an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The meatballs will keep for up to 4 days, and the tzatziki stays fresh for about 3 days. Keeping them separate helps preserve the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki is perfect for meal prepping! Freeze the cooked meatballs (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Tzatziki doesn’t freeze well due to the yogurt and cucumber, so make it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but be careful not to dry them out. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan for extra moisture if needed, and always serve with fresh tzatziki for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe. You’ll get a similar lean, tender meatball—just be sure to use turkey thigh for the juiciest results.
How can I make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki gluten-free?
Simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free version. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy switch for those with sensitivities.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until cooked through. They’ll come out slightly less crisp on the outside, but still delicious and full of flavor.
What’s the best way to grate and drain cucumber for tzatziki?
Use the large holes of a box grater to shred the cucumber, then squeeze out the excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step keeps your tzatziki thick and creamy instead of watery.
How far ahead can I make the tzatziki?
You can make the tzatziki up to a day in advance. In fact, letting it chill overnight makes the flavors even more vibrant and delicious—just give it a quick stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a plate of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki—the vibrant herbs, the juicy meat, and that cool, creamy sauce come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is always a hit. Give it a try, and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and healthy Greek-inspired recipe featuring tender chicken meatballs seasoned with fresh herbs and lemon zest, served with a creamy, homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, fresh dill, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Scoop the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls using your hands or a spoon to ensure even size for consistent cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 8–10 minutes total. Turn occasionally to brown evenly and ensure cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Prepare the Tzatziki: While the meatballs cook, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well to combine and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve: Plate the meatballs warm with a generous portion of tzatziki either as a side or drizzled over the top. Enjoy with warm pita bread, rice, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve with warm pita bread, rice, or a Greek salad to complete the meal.
- To bake instead of pan-fry, place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until cooked through.
- Make the tzatziki a day ahead to allow flavors to meld for a richer taste.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 meatballs with 1/4 cup tzatziki
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
