Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
A delightful dish of savory meatballs made from lean ground chicken, aromatic herbs, and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb lean ground chicken Provides a juicy and tender base for the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup whole wheat panko Adds delightful crunch and holds the meatballs together.
- 1/4 cup grated onion Introduces sweetness and moisture to the mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Imparts a strong, aromatic flavor.
- 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley Adds a fresh, herbal note.
- 1/2 zest lemon Brings citrusy brightness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano Adds depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander Offers a warm, citrusy spice.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin Binds the flavors.
- 1 large egg Serves as a binder.
- 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled Infuses creaminess and a tangy bite.
- to taste salt and black pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt Forms the creamy base for the tzatziki.
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber Adds freshness; squeeze out excess moisture.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill Offers a bright, herbal flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced Enhances the tzatziki's flavor.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Brightens the sauce.
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust according to personal preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and lightly greasing it.
- In a large bowl, combine the lean ground chicken, whole wheat panko, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, oregano, coriander, cumin, egg, crumbled feta cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-tablespoon-sized meatballs using your hands.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between them.
Cooking
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Mix well and adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, let them rest for a few minutes before serving warm with the chilled tzatziki sauce.
Notes
Use lean ground chicken for healthier meatballs. Squeeze out excess moisture from the cucumber for the perfect tzatziki texture. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.