Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of herbs and spices creates a symphony of flavors that excite the palate.
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Healthy Option: Made primarily with lean chicken, they provide a nutritious and protein-packed meal.
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Easy to Prepare: The straightforward steps make this dish accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
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Versatile: Serve them in various ways — with pasta, in a salad, or with pita and tzatziki for a complete meal.
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Family-Friendly: The delicious flavors are appealing to both adults and kids, making them a favorite for family dinners.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: These meatballs can be made in advance and stored for later use, perfect for busy lifestyles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pound ground chicken
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole grain)
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1 large egg
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
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2 teaspoons dried oregano
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Olive oil (for cooking)
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and egg.
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Add the chopped parsley, dill, dried oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
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Mix all the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
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With damp hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
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In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
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Gently add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
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Resting Time: 5-10 minutes
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Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
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Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
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Dairy-Free: Omit any dairy-based sauces or toppings.
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Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Different Proteins: Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair well with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, or over a bed of rice or couscous.
Can I prepare the meat mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well combined and not too wet. Add more breadcrumbs if needed.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated. Use one-third the amount of dried compared to fresh.
Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they store and reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep.
Can I make these meatballs in an air fryer?
Yes, cook them in a preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I freeze the uncooked meatballs?
Yes, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Thaw before cooking.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Tzatziki, garlic yogurt sauce, or a lemon tahini dressing pair beautifully with the meatballs.
Can I use pre-ground chicken breast?
Yes, but ground chicken thigh will provide a juicier result due to its higher fat content.
Conclusion
Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy bold Mediterranean flavors at home. With a blend of herbs, citrus, and tender chicken, this recipe delivers satisfying bites that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or serving a crowd, these meatballs are sure to impress with their taste and versatility.
Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
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These Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful, protein-packed Mediterranean recipe made with fresh herbs, lemon, and lean ground chicken. Perfect for meal prep or family dinners, they’re easy to make and incredibly versatile — serve with tzatziki, salads, or in pita wraps for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet or Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole grain)
1 large egg
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and egg.
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Add parsley, dill, oregano, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
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Mix gently until just combined.
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Shape into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs with damp hands.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook meatballs in batches, 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
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Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Dairy-Free: Pair with dairy-free sauces like lemon tahini.
Make Ahead: Meat mixture can be prepped and refrigerated for 24 hours.
Alternate Cooking Method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Flavor Boost: Add chili flakes or a touch of cumin for a spicy variation.