A healthy and flavorful Mediterranean dish perfect for any occasion. These juicy chicken meatballs pair perfectly with creamy homemade tzatziki for a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet or frying)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat preferred)
- 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a skillet for stovetop cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- If baking, arrange meatballs on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- If frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
3. Assemble and Serve:
Optional Add-Ons:
- Sprinkle with extra feta and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or dill for an added touch.
Enjoy this Mediterranean delight! 🌿🥙