Description
Succulent Greek chicken meatballs brim with Mediterranean flavors and aromatic herbs. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make this dish a delightful journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese
- Optional: tzatziki for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the ground chicken with herbs, spices, and binding ingredients until the mixture is uniform and holds together.
- Gently shape the mixture into consistent, rounded morsels approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring even cooking.
- Arrange the meatballs on the lined baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each to promote even browning.
- Delicately drizzle or brush olive oil across the surface of the meatballs to enhance golden coloration and prevent drying.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, rotating the tray midway to guarantee thorough cooking and achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165F or meatballs appear firm and no longer pink in the center.
- Allow meatballs to rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from oven to stabilize juices.
- Serve alongside traditional Greek accompaniments like tzatziki, atop fluffy rice, crisp salad, or warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by letting the mixture rest for 15-30 minutes before forming meatballs, allowing spices to meld together.
- Control moisture by using fresh breadcrumbs or Greek yogurt instead of store-bought breadcrumbs for a more tender texture.
- Maintain lean protein profile by using ground chicken breast, which creates lighter, healthier meatballs with less fat content.
- Customize dietary needs by substituting gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version or using ground turkey as an alternative protein option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg