Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce offer a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Juicy, tender meatballs paired with a cool, tangy sauce make for a perfect appetizer or main dish that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and the egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Step 6: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving with the chilled tzatziki sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Drain the grated cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki sauce.
• Add fresh dill to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• To make meatballs crispier, lightly brown them in a skillet before baking.
• Serve with warm pita bread or on a 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 the meatballs gently in the oven or microwave. Serve the tzatziki cold for best flavor.

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 and keep them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake them ahead and refrigerate; reheat before serving.

Is it possible to freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely. Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 534 reviews

These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce are a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish. Juicy chicken meatballs seasoned with fresh herbs and spices are baked to perfection and served with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lemon juice. This recipe is perfect for a light dinner, appetizer, or party snack.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Meatballs

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and the egg. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Form the meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet evenly spaced to ensure even cooking.
4. Add olive oil: Drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the meatballs to help them brown and stay moist while baking.
5. Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
6. Prepare the tzatziki sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well to combine all flavors. Refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
7. Serve: When the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm meatballs alongside the chilled tzatziki sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
• You can substitute ground turkey for chicken for a leaner option.
• This recipe can be doubled easily to serve a larger group.
• If you do not have Parmesan cheese, you can omit it or substitute with a similar hard cheese.
• Leftover meatballs and sauce keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Greek chicken meatballs, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean recipes, healthy chicken meatballs, Greek yogurt sauce