Greek Chicken Meatballs

Greek chicken meatballs are savory and delicious, packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors that makes each bite burst with flavor. And they’re versatile and easy to make too! Whether it’s an appetizer for friends, or an easy healthy dinner, this Greek chicken meatballs recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.

I like to pair it with tzatziki and sliced cucumbers or a greek salad for a super simple and fresh-tasting meal. With lean ground chicken, fresh dill, lemon, garli and spices, these meatballs are both healthy and super delicious! 

What to Serve with Greek Chicken Meatballs

One of the best things about Greek chicken meatballs is their versatility. You can serve them as an appetizer, pop them in a pita pocket for a delicious sandwich, or even feature them as the star of a main course with a hearty side of rice. They’re perfect for dinner, casual gatherings with friends, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

The options are endless, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy cucumber and yogurt sauce is the perfect accompaniment to Greek chicken meatballs. It adds a cool and refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the meatballs.

Greek Salad: Keep the Mediterranean theme going with a fresh and vibrant Greek salad. Tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese tossed in a simple vinaigrette – it’s the perfect side dish to balance out the richness of the meatballs. Or try a Greek dakos salad for something a bit more hearty!

Hummus and Pita Bread: Serve up some creamy homemade hummus or whipped feta dip alongside warm pita bread for a delicious and satisfying meal. Or, spread some hummus into a pita pocket to make a hearty sandwich.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant make a colorful and nutritious addition to any meal. The caramelized edges add a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs.

Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve Greek chicken meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa. It’s a simple and satisfying way to round out the meal and soak up all those delicious flavors.

Greek Lemon Potatoes: Tangy, crispy, and oh-so-delicious, Greek lemon potatoes are the perfect side dish for Greek-inspired meals. The zesty lemon flavor complements the chicken meatballs beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Meatballs

Now that you know what to serve alongside your Greek chicken meatballs, let’s talk about how to make sure they turn out perfectly every time:

1. Don’t Overmix: When mixing the ingredients for your meatballs, be gentle and avoid overmixing. This will help ensure that your meatballs stay tender and juicy.
2. Use Fresh Herbs:  Herbs like dill and oregano add a vibrant flavor to your meatballs. If possible, opt for fresh herbs rather than dried for the best results.
3. Preheat Your Pan: Before cooking your meatballs, make sure your pan is nice and hot. This will help ensure that they develop a golden crust on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
4. Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your meatballs plenty of space in the pan to ensure even cooking. If you overcrowd the pan, they may end up steaming rather than browning.
5. Check for Doneness: The best way to check if your meatballs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. They should register at least 165°F (75°C) in the center.

Ingredients To Make Greek Chicken Meatballs

To make Greek chicken meatballs, you need to gather the following simple ingredients (exact measurements are in the recipe card below).

Ground Chicken: Lean and flavorful, ground chicken serves as the base for these succulent meatballs. You could substitute ground turkey in these meatballs if you prefer! 

Dill: I recommend fresh dill in this recipe. The fresh herbs make the flavor of these meatballs pop!

Lemon: The recipe calls for fresh lemon zest, which gives these meatballs a light lemon flavor. Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice for an even brighter punch of lemon.

Cumin: Cumin is a spice that infuses the meatballs with warm, earthy undertones.

Breadcrumbs: Adding texture and binding the ingredients together, breadcrumbs ensure the meatballs hold their shape while cooking.

Garlic: Providing a punch of aromatic flavor, garlic infuses the meatballs with its unmistakable taste.

Onion: Diced finely and sautéed until golden, onion adds sweetness and depth to the meatball mixture. You can substitute red onion or shallot for the white onion.

Oregano: A staple in Greek cuisine, oregano lends its earthy and slightly bitter flavor to the meatball mixture.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.

How To Make Greek Chicken Meatballs

Ready to get started? Here’s how to make them!

Add the ground chicken to a large mixing bowl. Season the chicken with fresh dill, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin and dried oregano. Mix to incorporate the spices throughout the meat.

Add the minced onion, garlic, lemon zest, egg and breadcrumbs. Stir the meat mixture well, until all ingredients are fully incorporated. 

Use a small cookie scoop to scoop 16 meatballs. With clean hands, roll the meatballs into tight balls. 

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add enough extra virgin olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of oil (about 2-3 tablespoons). Carefully place the meatballs in the pan in a single layer, making sure they are not too crowded.

TIP: I mentioned this above, but wanted to say it again. Do not overcrowd the meatballs in the pan. They should not be touching. If your pan isn’t big enough to cook them all at the same time with space between them, I recommend cooking them in batches. 

Let the meatballs cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, until the first side is golden brown. Continue cooking for another 7-9 minutes, flipping frequently so that the meatballs cook on all sides. 

Cook time may vary depending on the size of the meatballs you make. The meatballs are done when they are golden brown on all sides and a meat thermometer inserted into the middle of the meatball reads 165 degrees F. 

When the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the pan with tongs or a slotted spoon and discard the remaining olive oil. Enjoy!

Storage and Freezing

Leftover Greek chicken meatballs are great cold or reheated too. Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. 

You could also make a double batch and freeze meatballs for later. I recommend using a vacuum sealer, like FoodSaver, to keep the Greek chicken meatballs tasting fresh after freezing.

Freezer meals are the best for when life gets busy! These are also perfect for thaw and reheat for lunches throughout the week. 

Greek chicken meatballs are a flavorful and versatile dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or anything in between, they’re guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with these delicious meatballs.