Description
These Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish, packed with fresh herbs, feta cheese, and fragrant lemon zest. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a tender and flavorful bite that’s perfect as a main course or appetizer. Serve warm with traditional tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or over a refreshing Greek salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated red onion
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for brushing or spraying
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, dill, oregano, minced garlic, grated red onion, egg, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Olive Oil: Lightly brush or spray the tops of the meatballs with olive oil to promote browning and add flavor during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are golden and cooked through. For safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Broil: For a deeper golden color and slightly crisp exterior, broil the meatballs for an additional 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or over a Greek salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- These meatballs freeze well—bake them fully, cool completely, then freeze for future meals.
- Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken while maintaining flavor and texture.
- Adjust the herbs to your preference or based on what’s available; fresh herbs deliver the best taste.
- For extra browning, broil the meatballs during the last 2 minutes of baking.
