Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki are a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Packed with fresh herbs and spices, these meatballs are tender and juicy, perfectly complemented by a cool, creamy cucumber yogurt sauce. They make a perfect meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander or cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar (optional)

For the Tzatziki:

• 1 cup grated cucumber (from 1/2 English cucumber)
• 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
• 2–3 tablespoons chopped dill, mint, or both

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil on a large baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the remaining teaspoon of olive oil, ground chicken, egg, red onion, garlic, dill, mint, lemon zest, oregano, coriander or cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and red wine vinegar if using.
3. Step 3: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
4. Step 4: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For more color, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes if desired.
6. Step 6: While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki. Squeeze the grated cucumber dry using a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
7. Step 7: In a bowl, combine the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and chopped herbs. Mix until creamy and well blended.
8. Step 8: Serve the warm meatballs with the homemade tzatziki. They pair beautifully with pita bread, a fresh salad, or rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon to the meat mixture.
• If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried herbs but reduce quantity as dried is more potent.
• Use a food processor to finely chop onion and garlic to save prep time.
• Try grilling the meatballs instead of baking for a smoky taste.
• Make the tzatziki ahead and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm meatballs gently in the oven or microwave until heated through; serve with chilled tzatziki for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and will yield a similar flavor and texture in the meatballs.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

Mix the ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat. Baking at a moderate temperature and not overcooking will help keep the meatballs juicy.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 82 reviews

These Greek Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy dish featuring ground chicken mixed with fresh herbs and spices, baked to perfection, and served with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a tasty Mediterranean-inspired meal.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 30 meatballs 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander or cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar (optional)

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup grated cucumber (from 1/2 English cucumber)
• 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
• 2–3 tablespoons chopped dill, mint, or both

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil on a large baking sheet to prepare for baking the meatballs.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the remaining olive oil, ground chicken, egg, finely diced red onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped mint, lemon zest, dried oregano, ground coriander or cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and red wine vinegar until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Form Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Optionally, broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve a more golden and crispy exterior.
5. Prepare Tzatziki: While the meatballs bake, squeeze the grated cucumber dry using a clean towel to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and chopped herbs (dill, mint, or both) until creamy and well mixed.
6. Serve: Serve the warm meatballs alongside the homemade tzatziki sauce. They pair wonderfully with pita bread, fresh salad, or rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
• Squeezing the grated cucumber dry is essential to prevent a watery tzatziki sauce.
• Broiling the meatballs briefly after baking adds a nice color and slight crispiness.
• Fresh herbs can be adjusted based on preference or availability.
• Serve with pita or rice for a filling meal, or keep it light with a fresh salad.

Keywords: Greek chicken meatballs, tzatziki sauce, baked meatballs, Mediterranean chicken recipe, healthy chicken meatballs