Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. These juicy meatballs, seasoned with Mediterranean spices and herbs, pair beautifully with pita bread, tzatziki, or a fresh salad. Easy to make and packed with protein, they’re a delicious addition to your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Features a perfect blend of Mediterranean spices and fresh herbs.
- Healthy Option: Made with lean ground chicken for a lighter meal.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or in wraps and bowls.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Freezes and reheats well for easy meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (grated)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Fresh dill (chopped)
- Egg (beaten)
- Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- Lemon zest
- Olive oil
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, grated onion, parsley, dill, egg, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, lemon zest, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form Meatballs: Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form small meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve: Pair with tzatziki, pita bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Herb Substitutions: Use cilantro, mint, or oregano for a unique twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Omit feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Extra Veggies: Add grated zucchini or carrots to the mixture for added moisture and nutrients.
- Pan-Fried Option: Cook the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil for a crispy exterior.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute in this recipe.
2. What’s the best way to keep the meatballs moist?
Avoid overmixing the ingredients, and include grated onion and breadcrumbs to retain moisture.
3. Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to form and cook the meatballs.
4. How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Can I air fry these meatballs?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
6. What can I serve with these meatballs?
Pair them with tzatziki, hummus, rice, or a Mediterranean salad for a complete meal.
7. Can I make them spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
8. What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs both work, or use panko for a lighter texture.
9. Can I cook these meatballs in a sauce?
Yes, simmer them in tomato or lemon garlic sauce for extra flavor.
10. Are these meatballs keto-friendly?
To make them keto-friendly, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or grated Parmesan.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and healthy option for any meal. Their bold flavors and tender texture make them a hit with both kids and adults. Whether served on their own, in a pita wrap, or alongside fresh vegetables, these meatballs are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at home!
PrintMediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
These Mediterranean chicken meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh herbs and spices. They’re perfect for serving over a bed of couscous, in pita bread, or as a protein-packed appetizer with tzatziki sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For Serving (Optional):
- Pita bread or naan
- Cooked couscous or rice
- Tzatziki sauce
- Fresh vegetables (e.g., cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion)
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), egg, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Wet your hands lightly with water and form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. You should have about 16-18 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Serve:
- Serve the meatballs warm with pita bread, couscous, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables.
Notes
- You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes if you prefer a hands-off method.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.