Name: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground chicken; 1/4 cup whole wheat panko crumbs; 1/4 cup grated white or yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; Zest of 1/2 lemon; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; A generous pinch of salt and pepper; 1 large egg; 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1 cup Greek yogurt (for tzatziki); 1/2 cucumber, grated (for tzatziki); 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (for tzatziki); Juice of 1/2 lemon (for tzatziki); 1 clove garlic, minced (for tzatziki); A pinch of salt and pepper (for tzatziki)

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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce is a delightful dish that offers a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures, perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner. These tender, juicy meatballs are bursting with savory herbs and spices, enhanced by the creamy, cool tzatziki that adds a refreshing twist. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or an appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. With easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce. First and foremost, this recipe boasts easy prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. The ingredients are simple, allowing you to whip up these flavorful meatballs with minimal effort. In addition, this dish is family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce new flavors while keeping it wholesome and healthy. With a combination of lean chicken, fresh herbs, and creamy tzatziki, you’ll feel great about serving this meal.

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

To make these delectable Greek Chicken Meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

1 lb lean ground chicken: Choose a lean option for a healthier twist, allowing the flavors to shine.
1/4 cup whole wheat panko crumbs: These add a delightful crunch and texture, making your meatballs satisfying.
1/4 cup grated white or yellow onion: The onion brings a subtle sweetness and moisture to the meatballs.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic elevates the flavor profile, infusing the dish with aromatic goodness.
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Fresh herbs enhance the vibrant taste—don’t skimp on this!
Zest of 1/2 lemon: Lemon zest brightens the meatballs, giving them a fresh and zesty kick.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: This classic herb offers a warm, earthy flavor that’s synonymous with Greek cuisine.
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander: This spice adds a unique and slightly citrusy hint to the meatballs.
1/2 teaspoon cumin: It introduces a warm, nutty note that complements the overall flavor.
1 generous pinch of salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavors and seasoning your dish perfectly.
1 large egg: The egg serves as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape.
2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled: Feta cheese provides a tangy richness and creaminess to each bite.

For the 5-Minute Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt: Creamy and thick, Greek Yogurt serves as the perfect base.
1/2 cucumber, grated: Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and contributes to the sauce’s cooling effect.
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Dill infuses the tzatziki with earthy notes, enhancing its flavor.
Juice of 1/2 lemon: Lemon juice brightens the sauce and adds a lovely tang.
1 clove garlic, minced: To mirror the meatballs, garlic in the tzatziki enhances the flavor.
A pinch of salt and pepper: Seasoning is critical to elevate your tzatziki sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare for baking by lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients: lean ground chicken, panko crumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, dried oregano, ground coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and crumbled feta. Mix them well until fully combined.
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce by whisking together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well blended.
Serve the Greek Chicken Meatballs hot, alongside a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Tips & Tricks

To take your Greek Chicken Meatballs to the next level, consider these chef’s secrets. First, make sure to finely chop or even puree any chunky ingredients like onions or garlic. This ensures even distribution throughout the meatballs for a uniform taste. Additionally, if you desired some extra zing, add a dash of red pepper flakes for spice or a touch of lemon juice to your meat mixture for added brightness.

If you want to create a more vibrant presentation, consider garnishing the dish with additional chopped parsley or lemon wedges. Both will add color and freshness!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

When serving Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce, think outside the box for creative presentations and pairings. They are fantastic served on skewers for a fun appetizer at parties. Pair them with whole-grain pita bread, fresh vegetable sticks, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

For a Mediterranean-themed dinner, consider serving the meatballs alongside roasted vegetables, olives, and hummus for a colorful spread everyone will enjoy. You can also serve these meatballs over a bed of quinoa or rice to create a satisfying and healthy bowl.

Nutritional Information

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce are not only delicious, but they can also be nutritious. These meatballs are roughly around 200 calories per serving, depending on the size and ingredients utilized, with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the feta cheese, and nutrients from the herbs and tzatziki. The inclusion of whole wheat panko also adds fiber for a fuller meal.

To indulge slightly without guilt during special occasions, consider sprinkling some extra feta on top or serving alongside a light garlic dip.

Storing Tips & Variations for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

If you find yourself with leftover Greek Chicken Meatballs, fret not! They store beautifully. Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer-lasting meatballs, consider freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated directly from frozen in the oven.

For creative variations, try substituting the ground chicken for turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different herbs in the tzatziki, such as mint or basil, to give the dish your unique touch.

Conclusion for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying and easy dish than Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce. The flavor explosion from the meatballs, paired with the creamy zing of tzatziki, is sure to excite your taste buds and impress your family or guests. Don’t wait—try this recipe today and enjoy a delectable journey to the Mediterranean!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and offers a similar texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the whole wheat panko crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs, then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to cook.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Dried herbs work as a substitute but use about one-third of the amount as they are more concentrated in flavor.
What’s the best way to serve tzatziki sauce?
Tzatziki sauce can be served as a dip or drizzled over the meatballs for added flavor. Enjoy it with fresh veggies or pita bread!