Cooking can be a delightful journey of flavors, and one recipe that stands out is Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce. As someone who delights in Mediterranean cuisine, I first tried this dish at a quaint local eatery, and the taste lingered in my memory long after my visit. Picture tender meatballs bursting with fresh herbs, perfectly complemented by a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to sun-soaked shores. Whether you’re planning a relaxed weeknight dinner or a gathering of friends, this recipe promises to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are numerous reasons to add Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce to your culinary repertoire. First and foremost, it’s a stellar option for a quick and easy dinner. With minimal prep time and just a short wait in the oven, you can whip up a wholesome, satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes. It’s also budget-friendly, making it ideal for anyone looking to eat well without breaking the bank. Families adore this dish, as the flavor is kid-approved and adaptable to various taste preferences.
"I made these meatballs for a dinner party, and everyone raved about them! The tzatziki sauce was the perfect touch, and I loved how easy they were to prepare." — Happy Home Cook
Preparing Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Creating your own Greek Chicken Meatballs is easier than you might think. You’ll start by mixing together the ingredients for the meatballs, rolling them into bite-sized balls, and baking them until golden brown. While the meatballs are cooking, you’ll whip up a refreshing tzatziki sauce that combines Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic for a cool contrast. The sequence is straightforward: mix, form, bake, and serve!
Gather These Items
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped dill
- Pinch of salt
Feel free to swap ground chicken for turkey or adjust the herbs based on your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped red onion, parsley, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve warm meatballs alongside tzatziki, either as a dip or drizzled on top.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving Greek Chicken Meatballs, the possibilities are endless. Pair these flavorful meatballs with a simple Greek salad for freshness, or serve them alongside warm pita bread for a delightful touch. You might also consider offering a selection of olives and roasted veggies on the side. For a drink pairing, consider a crisp white wine or a sparkling lemonade to balance the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To ensure your leftovers remain delicious, store the meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh for about 3-4 days. Reheat the meatballs in the oven or a skillet, gently warming them until heated through. Alternatively, the tzatziki can be enjoyed cold.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To elevate your meatballs further, try letting the mixture sit for a few minutes before shaping them. This allows the breadcrumbs to absorb more moisture, resulting in juicier meatballs. Also, don’t hesitate to add more herbs or spices to suit your taste—perhaps a hint of oregano or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat!
Recipe Variations
Consider experimenting with the flavors in this dish. You could swap in ground lamb for a more traditional Greek taste or try adding feta cheese to the meatball mixture. For a zesty twist, mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives. If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative to make the tzatziki sauce vegan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
From prep to finish, this recipe takes about 30–35 minutes.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can pre-make the meatballs, store them in the fridge, and then simply bake them when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you’re aiming for a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour can work well as substitutes.
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
Delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs paired with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering of friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Paleo
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for tzatziki)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for tzatziki)
- 1 tbsp chopped dill (for tzatziki)
- Pinch of salt (for tzatziki)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped red onion, parsley, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve warm meatballs alongside tzatziki, either as a dip or drizzled on top.
Notes
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat meatballs in the oven or skillet and enjoy tzatziki cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg