Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce offer a delightful blend of tender, flavorful meatballs paired with a refreshing cucumber-yogurt dip. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer that brings bright Mediterranean flavors to your table.

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 (for baking)
• 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

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped red onion, parsley, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
4. Step 4: While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to serve.
5. Step 5: Serve the warm meatballs with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side or drizzled over the top for a refreshing finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, soak the breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing it into the meat.
• Swap ground chicken for turkey or lamb to change the flavor profile.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a hint of heat.
• Serve with warm pita bread or a simple Greek salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat meatballs gently in the oven or microwave before serving. Keep the tzatziki chilled and stir well before using.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?

Mix the ingredients just until combined and avoid overbaking. Using ground chicken with a bit of fat content or adding soaked breadcrumbs can help keep the meatballs juicy.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 119 reviews

These Greek Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite, featuring fragrant herbs like parsley and dill, lemon zest, and a tender ground chicken base. Baked to perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill, this dish offers a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 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

Tzatziki Sauce

• 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

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped red onion, parsley, dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated to avoid overworking the meat.
2. Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs by rolling portions of the mixture between your palms. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
3. Bake the meatballs: Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil to encourage browning. Then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining inside.
4. Make the tzatziki sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated and well-drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Chill the tzatziki in the refrigerator until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Present the meatballs warm alongside the chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping, or drizzle the tzatziki over the meatballs for a creamy, tangy complement.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki.
• Ground chicken can be substituted with ground turkey if preferred.
• Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs but can be replaced with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
• Let the meatballs rest a few minutes after baking for juicier texture.
• Fresh herbs like parsley and dill are key to authentic Greek flavor; dried herbs can be used in a pinch but fresh is recommended.

Keywords: Greek chicken meatballs, tzatziki sauce, baked meatballs, healthy chicken recipes, Mediterranean food, Greek appetizers, easy dinner recipes