Why Make This Recipe
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are an excellent choice for dinner or a tasty snack. They are packed with flavor and are easy to make. The combination of fresh herbs, spices, and lean ground chicken makes these meatballs both delicious and healthy. Plus, they are perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd!
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, red onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix the ingredients together until well combined, but do not overmix.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
You can serve these meatballs in several ways. They are great on their own as an appetizer. You can also place them in a pita with fresh veggies and yogurt sauce for a complete meal. Another option is to serve them over pasta or with a side of rice and a fresh salad.
How to Store Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they will last for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Tips to Make Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
- To keep the meatballs moist, do not overmix the ingredients.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. You can add more garlic or herbs if you like.
- If you want to make mini meatballs for appetizers, just reduce the size when forming them.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding different ingredients. Try adding chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, you can mix in jalapeños or use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, beef, or lamb for the ground chicken if you prefer.
2. Can I bake the meatballs without browning them first?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs directly without browning them first. Just increase the baking time by 5 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the unbaked meatballs and cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken Lean ground chicken for healthier meatballs.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Use plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese For flavor and moisture.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Can substitute with other fresh herbs.
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion Add sweetness and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic flavor.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Adds Mediterranean flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt To taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper To taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For a spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking For browning the meatballs.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, red onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix the ingredients together until well combined, but do not overmix.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.