Discover the vibrant flavors and heartwarming comfort of this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe, a dish that effortlessly combines fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and tender chicken into bite-sized morsels of pure delight. Whether you’re looking to spice up dinner or impress guests with an inviting Mediterranean-inspired appetizer, these meatballs lovingly bring together simplicity and sophistication in every savory bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy ground chicken providing a tender base, to the fresh parsley, dill, and mint that elevate the flavor with bright, aromatic notes.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein foundation for tender, juicy meatballs.
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together and adds a delicate texture.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural glue to hold the meatballs firm without being dense.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion: Brings a mild sweetness and subtle bite to the mix.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a classic punch of savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a burst of green color.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Offers that unmistakable hint of Mediterranean flair.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint: Introduces an uplifting brightness to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Deepens the herby, earthy undertones that Greek cuisine is famous for.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors delicately without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the herbs and lemon.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Injects a fresh, tangy brightness that awakens the palate.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking): Used to cook the meatballs to golden perfection with a lovely crisp exterior.
How to Make Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Ingredients
Start by combining the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, red onion, garlic, chopped parsley, dill, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything gently until just combined—remember, the secret is not to overwork the mixture, so your meatballs stay tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the meatballs. Using clean hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls, aiming for about 18 to 20 meatballs. This size is perfect for evenly cooking while keeping each bite satisfying and manageable.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding, and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. You want each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust while ensuring the inside is thoroughly cooked—an internal temperature of 165°F guarantees they’re safe and juicy.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
After cooking, transfer the meatballs to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, leaving every bite moist and flavorful before you serve them warm alongside your favorite Mediterranean accompaniments.
How to Serve Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs shine when topped with fresh garnishes. A dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill can take these meatballs from delicious to truly unforgettable. Don’t shy away from a squeeze of extra lemon juice to brighten every bite!
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair beautifully with an array of sides. Serve them over fluffy rice or couscous for a hearty meal, or include a crisp Greek salad to balance the richness with refreshing veggies. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles complement the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, toss these Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs into warm pita bread along with fresh tomatoes, cucumber slices, and tangy tzatziki for an irresistible wrap. Alternatively, skewer them as part of a mezze platter featuring olives, hummus, and grilled vegetables to impress at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The meatballs keep their flavors beautifully, making them perfect for quick lunches or an easy dinner the next day.
Freezing
These herby meatballs freeze wonderfully. After cooking and cooling completely, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to two months. This makes your Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe a great candidate for batch cooking and enjoying later without sacrificing freshness.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating helps maintain that perfect tender texture and keeps the herbs vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great substitute and will work similarly in terms of texture and flavor. Just be mindful to adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
They can be, depending on the breadcrumbs you use. Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones to enjoy this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe without gluten concerns.
Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a fantastic hands-off method. Bake at 400°F for about 18 to 20 minutes until golden and cooked through. It’s a great option when making larger batches or if you want to avoid extra oil.
How can I make these meatballs spicier?
To add a bit of heat, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili when combining the ingredients. Just a small amount will add a pleasant kick without overpowering the fresh herbs.
What sauces go well with these meatballs?
Tzatziki is the classic choice, but feel free to try a lemon garlic yogurt sauce, a vibrant tomato-based sauce, or even a simple drizzle of good olive oil with fresh lemon juice to complement the herby flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something flavorful, fresh, and genuinely comforting, don’t hesitate to dive into this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe. It’s a dish that brings warmth to your table and brightens up your mealtime with its harmonious blend of herbs, lemon, and tender chicken. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion.
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Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and aromatic Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs featuring fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and mint along with lemon zest and juice. These juicy meatballs are perfect as a main course or appetizer, cooked to tender perfection in a skillet and ideal for serving with tzatziki or in pita wraps.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Using clean hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, making about 18 to 20 pieces.
- Heat Oil and Cook Meatballs: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the cooked meatballs from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm accompanied by tzatziki sauce, over rice, or stuffed in pita bread with your preferred toppings.
Notes
- If preferred, bake the meatballs at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes as a hands-off alternative.
- These meatballs freeze well—after cooking, let them cool and store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
