Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce! Packed with amazing flavors and simple to prepare, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great Flavors: The combination of herbs, spices, and juicy ground chicken creates a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
- Quick Prep Time: With just a few simple steps, you can have these meatballs ready for the oven in minutes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These meatballs are great for meal prepping as they can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them a versatile option for busy weekdays.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground chicken: Provides a lean and flavorful base for the meatballs.
- Shallots or red onion: Adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the meatballs.
- Greek yogurt: Helps to keep the meatballs moist and adds a tangy kick to the sauce.
- Dill and oregano: Infuse the meatballs with traditional Greek flavors.
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to the tzatziki sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate while preparing the meatballs.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the desired temperature and prepare a baking sheet.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, shallots, egg, olive oil, bread crumbs, lemon zest, herbs, spices, and Greek yogurt. Mix until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into uniform-sized meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on a plate, arrange the warm meatballs on top, and garnish as desired.
Helpful Tips:
- To prevent dry meatballs, do not overmix the ingredients.
- For a bolder flavor, marinate the meatball mixture in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are cooked to the correct temperature.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs.
- For a smokier flavor, grill the meatballs instead of baking them.
- Add a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
These Greek Chicken Meatballs are delicious served with warm pita bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables. Pair them with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing cucumber-infused cocktail for the perfect meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through, and serve with fresh tzatziki sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken? Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe.
- How can I make the meatballs ahead of time? You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, these meatballs can be frozen after baking. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
With its amazing flavors and simple preparation, these Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a must-try for any occasion. Give this recipe a go and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean right in your own home. Don’t forget to share your feedback and experience with us!
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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek chicken meatballs are packed with flavor from herbs and spices, served with a creamy tzatziki sauce. A perfect appetizer or main dish for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 ½ shallots, grated or finely chopped (or ½ cup finely chopped red onion)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup gluten-free bread crumbs or ½ cup almond flour/crushed pork rinds*
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (dairy-free if preferred)
- ½ small cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate.
- Preheat Oven: to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: Combine all meatball ingredients. Form into meatballs and place on baking sheet.
- Bake: for 20-22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Spread tzatziki sauce on a plate, arrange meatballs on top, and garnish as desired. Serve with pita bread or vegetables.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning of the meatballs to suit your taste preferences.
- For a dairy-free tzatziki sauce, use a plant-based yogurt alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg