Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki are juicy, herb-packed bites bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
- Chicken Meatballs:
- 1½ pounds ground chicken
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll into 1½-inch meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 18–20 minutes, until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
Alternatively, pan-sear in olive oil over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally. - For tzatziki, stir together yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve meatballs warm with tzatziki on the side or drizzled on top.
Notes
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Add crumbled feta to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki are juicy, herb-packed bites bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor. Ground chicken is blended with garlic, red onion, parsley, oregano, and a hint of lemon zest, then baked or pan-seared until golden and tender.
These lighter meatballs stay moist and flavorful, thanks to a touch of olive oil and simple Mediterranean spices. Paired with cool, creamy tzatziki made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, and lemon, the contrast is refreshing and satisfying. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, tuck them into warm pita bread, or build a nourishing bowl with rice, tomatoes, and olives. They’re perfect for meal prep and reheat beautifully throughout the week. Whether for a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers bright, wholesome flavors inspired by the Mediterranean coast.
