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
Scale
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
