Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

why make this recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are not just delicious; they are also healthy and easy to prepare. Using lean ground chicken makes these meatballs a bit lighter than traditional meatballs, while the tzatziki sauce adds freshness and flavor. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or something special for guests. Plus, the combination of herbs and spices gives these meatballs an aromatic boost that everyone will love.

how to make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 ½ shallots, grated or finely chopped (or ½ cup finely chopped red onion)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ cup gluten-free bread crumbs or ½ cup almond flour/crushed pork rinds*
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (dairy-free if preferred)
• ½ small cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil (if using), lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well, then cover and refrigerate while preparing the meatballs.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, shallots (or red onion), egg, olive oil, bread crumbs (or almond flour/pork rinds), lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, oregano, dill, onion powder, Greek yogurt, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. If too wet, add more bread crumbs as needed.
4. Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs, ensuring uniform size for even cooking. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For an extra crispy crust, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on a serving plate or shallow bowl. Arrange the warm meatballs on top. Garnish with extra fresh dill, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve with warm pita bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.

how to serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

You can serve these meatballs warm alongside a generous helping of tzatziki sauce. They are delightful on their own or paired with warm pita bread, a crunchy salad, or some roasted vegetables. For a more festive meal, consider making a delicious Greek-style platter with olives, feta cheese, and more fresh herbs.

how to store Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

Once cooked, you can store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tzatziki sauce should also be stored separately in its own container. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the meatballs for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

• Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture. This keeps them tender and juicy.
• For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture sit for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator before rolling them out.
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
• If the mixture feels too wet, adjusting the amount of breadcrumbs or flour can help achieve the right consistency.

variation (if any)

You can customize these meatballs by adding other ingredients like feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for added flavor. For a bit of heat, consider mixing in some red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different herbs according to your taste preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken in this recipe.

2. Is tzatziki sauce dairy-free?
The traditional tzatziki sauce contains Greek yogurt, but you can use dairy-free yogurt alternatives to make it dairy-free.

3. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, baking the meatballs is a healthy option. It also provides an easier cleanup compared to frying.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce

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Delicious and healthy Greek Chicken Meatballs served with fresh Tzatziki Sauce, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: penny
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 ½ shallots, grated or finely chopped (or ½ cup finely chopped red onion)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ cup gluten-free bread crumbs or ½ cup almond flour/crushed pork rinds
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (dairy-free if preferred)
• ½ small cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil (if using), lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well, then cover and refrigerate while preparing the meatballs.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, shallots (or red onion), egg, olive oil, bread crumbs (or almond flour/pork rinds), lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, oregano, dill, onion powder, Greek yogurt, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
4. Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Broil for an extra crispy crust if desired.
6. Serve warm meatballs on a plate topped with tzatziki sauce and garnish with dill and parsley.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy. Experiment with different herbs for added flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg