These Greek chicken meatballs are juicy and packed with flavors like garlic and herbs. They’re perfectly paired with creamy tzatziki sauce that adds a cool twist!
When I make these meatballs, I can’t help but snack on them right off the pan. Who needs plates, right? Plus, they’re quick to whip up for a tasty meal any day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This recipe uses ground chicken for a lean option. If you prefer, ground turkey or even lean ground beef can also work. Just remember that different meats will bring different flavors!
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs add texture and help bind the meatballs. If you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. I’ve even used oats blended into a fine powder!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a lovely flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a great substitute. It provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Fresh Herbs: Parsley makes these meatballs fresh and vibrant. You can swap it out with other herbs like cilantro or mint based on your taste, which can give it a different twist.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is key for the tzatziki sauce. For a vegan option, use plant-based yogurt instead. Just ensure it’s thick, similar to Greek yogurt, to get the right consistency.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Hold Their Shape?
Getting meatballs to hold together can be tricky! Here are some helpful tips:
- Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Form the meatballs gently. Squeeze them tightly but avoid making them too compact.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs until it’s firm enough to shape.
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet. This prevents sticking and helps the meatballs keep their shape.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Cucumber for Tzatziki?
Preparing the cucumber correctly is essential for a perfect tzatziki:
- Grate the cucumber using a box grater or a food processor.
- After grating, place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible. This keeps your sauce from becoming watery.
- Once drained, mix the cucumber into the yogurt mixture. The fresher it is, the better your tzatziki will taste!
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or couscous
- Diced tomatoes
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Extra chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to get this delicious dish on your table and ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, red onion, minced garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s nicely combined.
2. Form the Meatballs:
Once mixed, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet as you go. Make sure they’re evenly spaced so they cook properly.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
Now, pop those meatballs in the preheated oven and bake them for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside.
4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, it’s the perfect time to make the tzatziki sauce! In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (after squeezing out the excess water), minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Stir everything until it’s smooth and well mixed. If you need to, taste and adjust the seasoning. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Once your meatballs are baked, it’s time to serve up! On a plate, place a scoop of cooked rice or couscous, and then add the meatballs on top. Spoon on your tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with diced tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, if using. Don’t forget to garnish with more chopped parsley for a fresh touch!
6. Enjoy!
Your Greek chicken meatballs with tzatziki sauce are ready to eat! Enjoy this tasty meal with family or friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just keep in mind that ground turkey may be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to help keep the meatballs moist.
How Do I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
To make the meatballs gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. You can also use oats or ground almonds as an alternative!
Can I Prepare the Meatballs in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them uncooked for up to a day. If you want to store them longer, freeze the meatballs on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tzatziki Sauce?
Store any leftover tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. If the sauce seems a bit watery after sitting, just stir it well before serving, and feel free to add more salt or lemon juice to taste!
