These Greek Chicken Meatballs are a delightful blend of fresh herbs, spices, and tender ground chicken that bring a taste of the Mediterranean right to your plate. Perfect for a simple yet flavorful dinner or as a stunning party appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Each meatball is packed with aromatic herbs and spices that make every bite a little journey to Greece.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, these meatballs are the perfect solution to busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether you’re topping a salad or filling a pita, the possibilities are endless!
- Healthy and Delicious: With lean ground chicken and fresh ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice everyone will appreciate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these scrumptious Greek Chicken Meatballs lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each item plays a vital role in building layers of flavor that make this dish stand out.
- Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken for healthier meatballs without sacrificing moistness.
- Fresh Herbs (Dill and Mint): These herbs bring a refreshing contrast to the savory spices.
- Spices: Cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes add warmth and depth.
- Red Onion and Garlic: A classic combo that infuses the meatballs with savory zest.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of citrus that brightens the entire dish.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Greek Chicken Meatballs, tweaking the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for more heat.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh parsley or basil in place of dill or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Cheesy Variation: Mix in a bit of grated Parmesan or feta directly into the meatball mixture for a cheesy twist.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Start by gathering all your ingredients in a bowl. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ground chicken, herbs, spices, onion, and garlic until everything is just combined. This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed in every meatball.
Step 2: Form and Cook
Using a cookie dough scoop or tablespoon, portion out the chicken mixture and roll it into balls. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the meatballs in batches until golden and cooked through, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Herb Freshness: Always use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor; dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but reduce the quantity slightly.
- Pan Temperature: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the meatballs; this helps create a nice sear on the outside.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the skillet by cooking in batches; this ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Zest Matters: Use a microplane for the lemon zest to avoid the bitter white pith, yielding only the sweet oils of the zest.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
Top these meatballs with a sprinkle of crumbled feta and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to elevate their flavor. A handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint also complements beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside traditional Greek sides such as a Greek salad, with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, or over a bed of fluffy white rice. A drizzle of creamy tzatziki sauce completes the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider skewering these meatballs with vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired kabob, or tuck them into pita bread pockets for a delightful street food style snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Greek Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They make for a great quick meal or snack option when short on time.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully! Once cooked and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months; simply thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying them out. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for chicken and will offer similar taste and texture. It’s perfect for those looking for alternative poultry options.
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What is the best way to handle sticky meatball mixture?
Wet your hands slightly with water or olive oil before shaping the meatballs. This prevents the mixture from sticking and makes handling much easier.
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How do I ensure my meatballs are cooked through?
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, cut one open to ensure there’s no pink inside.
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Can I bake these meatballs?
Absolutely! You can bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through. It’s a hands-off approach that works wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try these Greek Chicken Meatballs as I am to share them with you. Their delightful combination of flavors is bound to impress, making them a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
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Thai Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 meatballs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These flavorful Greek chicken meatballs are packed with fresh herbs and spices, then pan-fried to crispy perfection. Served with fresh vegetables, rice, and creamy tzatziki, they make for a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
For Serving
- Chopped romaine lettuce
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Cucumber, sliced
- Tomato, diced
- White rice, cooked
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Add the ground chicken, salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, dill, mint, red onion, garlic, and lemon zest into a small mixing bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Form Meatballs: Use a cookie dough scoop or tablespoon to portion out the mixture, then roll with your hands to form meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust cooking time based on batch size.
- Serve: Place the cooked meatballs over chopped romaine lettuce. Top with crumbled feta, sliced cucumber, diced tomato, cooked white rice, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the meatballs before serving.
- You can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 20 minutes if preferred over skillet frying.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can be used if fresh is unavailable, adjusting quantities accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
