Why Make This Recipe
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and creamy tzatziki offers a taste of Greece right in your kitchen. This recipe is not only simple but also packed with protein and fresh ingredients. Whether you are looking to impress at a dinner party or need a quick weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to please everyone.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
For the Homemade Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parsley, feta cheese, red onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the meatballs warm with a generous side of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki
These meatballs are great served on their own as an appetizer or as part of a main dish. You can place them on a platter with a bowl of tzatziki for dipping. They also work well in pita bread with fresh veggies or served over rice or salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki
To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tzatziki can be stored separately in a sealed container and should be consumed within 5 days. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the meatballs after cooking; this helps them stay juicy.
- Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the cucumber to keep the tzatziki from becoming watery.
Variation
You can add spices to the meatball mixture, such as paprika or red pepper flakes, for added flavor. If you want a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs in the oven instead of frying them.
FAQs
Q: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
A: Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well in this recipe.
Q: What can I serve with these meatballs?
A: They pair well with Greek salad, pita bread, or roasted vegetables.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken Use fresh ground chicken for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Fresh herbs enhance flavor.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese Adds creaminess and tang.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion Gives the meatballs a slight sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Classic Greek herb.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 large egg, beaten Acts as a binder.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season to your preference.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying Use for cooking the meatballs.
For the Homemade Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt Use full-fat for creaminess.
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water Ensure it is well-drained.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the tzatziki flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped Adds a fresh taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season to your preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parsley, feta cheese, red onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Tzatziki Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Serving
- Serve the meatballs warm with a generous side of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.