why make this recipe
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a delicious and healthy choice. They combine the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with easy-to-follow steps. The meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor, while the tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing touch. This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even as party appetizers.
how to make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces Lean Ground Chicken, raised without antibiotics (ground turkey is good too)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 Tablespoons Parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Egg, large
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Feta, crumbled
- 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 Tablespoon Scallion, finely chopped
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 Lime (all zested, half juiced)
- 1/2 English Cucumber, medium-sized
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Directions:
Prep Ahead Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, egg, breadcrumbs, and feta. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cooking Steps:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
how to serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Serve the Greek Chicken Meatballs warm with the tzatziki sauce on the side. You can also serve them over rice or with pita bread. Add a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
how to store Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Store any leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The meatballs will stay good for up to 3 days, while the sauce can last for about 4-5 days. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
- Make sure to finely chop the garlic and parsley for even flavor distribution.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to keep the meatballs the same size.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help them hold their shape.
- Always check the meatballs with a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
variation
You can switch up the meat by using lean ground beef or lamb for a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, use a mix of quinoa and chopped vegetables. Adjust the spices accordingly to maintain flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe and provides a similar taste and texture.
2. How can I make the tzatziki sauce thicker?
Strain the Greek yogurt through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve before mixing. This removes excess moisture and gives you a thicker sauce.
3. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option, and it helps keep the meatballs moist while giving them a nice color.
4. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures they’re fully cooked and safe to eat.
5. Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance, refrigerate them, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 16 ounces Lean Ground Chicken Raised without antibiotics (ground turkey is good too)
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 3 Tablespoons Parsley Chopped
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Feta Crumbled
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 Tablespoon Scallion Finely chopped
- 1 clove Garlic Minced
- 1/2 English Cucumber medium-sized
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, egg, breadcrumbs, and feta. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cooking
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
Serving
- Serve the Greek Chicken Meatballs warm with the tzatziki sauce on the side.
- You can also serve them over rice or with pita bread, along with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.