Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs: The Perfect Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Crafting these zesty greek chicken meatballs takes culinary creativity to another level of deliciousness.

My kitchen adventure began with fresh Mediterranean ingredients and a passion for bold flavors.

Lean ground chicken provides a perfect protein base for these tender, aromatic bites.

Fragrant herbs and spices dance through each carefully formed meatball, promising an explosion of taste.

Tzatziki sauce adds a cool, creamy counterpoint that perfectly complements the robust meat mixture.

Summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive dish.

I promise these meatballs will become your new favorite go-to recipe that impresses everyone at the table.

Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs With Herby Tzatziki Sauce FAQs

• Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, these Greek chicken meatballs are naturally gluten-free because they use almond flour instead of traditional wheat breadcrumbs, making them perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly with the same Mediterranean spices and herbs in this recipe.

• How can I ensure the meatballs stay moist and tender?

Mix the ingredients gently without overworking the meat, and avoid overcooking. The egg and almond flour help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs juicy.

What Makes Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs With Herby Tzatziki Sauce So Special

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with zesty Mediterranean herbs and spices, these chicken meatballs deliver powerful taste in every single bite without complicated cooking techniques.
• Master Healthy Protein: Ground chicken offers a lean protein option that's lighter than traditional beef meatballs while maintaining incredible juiciness and satisfying texture.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows seamless adaptations like serving over salad, tucking into pita bread, or enjoying as a standalone protein with multiple complementary side dishes.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe perfect for busy families seeking delicious, nutritious meals that don't require extensive kitchen skills or long cooking processes.

Everything You’ll Need For Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs With Herby Tzatziki Sauce

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the foundation of the meatballs with a light and tender texture.

• Almond Flour, Egg: Ingredients that help bind the meatballs together and create a moist, cohesive mixture.

• Red Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and sharpness to the meatball flavor.
• Parsley, Dill, Oregano: Fresh herbs that add bright, Mediterranean-style herbal notes to the dish.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Citrus elements that bring a zesty, fresh tang to the meatballs.
• Cumin: Warm spice that adds a subtle earthy undertone to the chicken mixture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides a tangy and smooth texture for the sauce.
• Cucumber: Fresh vegetable that adds coolness and lightness to the tzatziki.
• Dill: Herb that complements the yogurt and adds a distinctive flavor to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the meatballs and providing a rich, smooth sautéing medium.

Cooking Instructions For Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs With Herby Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Blend Meatball Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Almond flour
• Egg
• Red onion
• Garlic
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh dill
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Thoroughly mix until all ingredients create a harmonious blend.

Step 2: Shape Succulent Meatballs

Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into charming little meatballs, roughly the size of a golf ball.

Aim for consistent sizing to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown Meatballs

Warm a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil.

Once the pan is hot, gently place meatballs into the skillet. Cook in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding.

Rotate meatballs every couple of minutes to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown exterior, cooking for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Tzatziki

• Greek yogurt
• Grated cucumber
• Minced garlic
• Chopped dill
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until well combined and taste, adjusting seasonings as desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the warm, golden meatballs alongside the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Complement with soft pita bread, a crisp Greek salad, or roasted Mediterranean vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Helpful Tips For Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs With Herby Tzatziki Sauce

• Drain grated cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki sauce, using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess moisture.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley and dill for maximum flavor impact, avoiding dried alternatives when possible.
• Ensure meatballs are evenly sized to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent undercooked or overcooked sections.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like ground turkey or lean beef for versatile meatball variations.
• Allow meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain juiciness and improve overall texture.

Easy Ways To Change Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs With Herby Tzatziki Sauce

• Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs: Replace ground chicken with ground lamb for a richer, more intense flavor profile, keeping all other ingredients consistent.
• Spicy Moroccan Version: Add harissa paste and smoked paprika to the meatball mixture, swap dill for cilantro, and include a touch of ground cinnamon for North African warmth.
• Vegetarian Quinoa Balls: Substitute ground chicken with cooked quinoa, feta cheese, and chickpea flour, maintaining similar herb and spice ratios for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Skewers: Shape the chicken mixture around wooden skewers instead of forming traditional meatballs, grilling for a lighter, kebab-style presentation with identical seasoning.

What To Serve With Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs With Herby Tzatziki Sauce

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Opt for a zesty Greek Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the lemony, herbal notes of the meatballs.
• Create Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Surround meatballs with hummus, olives, feta cheese, and warm pita bread to enhance the Greek-inspired flavors and create a vibrant dining experience.
• Match with Refreshing Greek Salad: Combine diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled feta with a light olive oil dressing to balance the rich, savory meatballs.
• Elevate with Herbal Ouzo Spritzer: Mix a small amount of traditional Greek ouzo with sparkling water and a lemon twist to cleanse the palate and highlight the dish's Mediterranean essence.

Storing Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs With Herby Tzatziki Sauce The Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store meatballs and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Place cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate tzatziki sauce into a different container to maintain its fresh texture.
• Reheating Meatballs: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, turning gently to prevent breaking. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway.
• Reviving Tzatziki: Stir well before serving. If separated, whisk briefly to restore creamy consistency. Do not reheat tzatziki; serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs with Herby Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance in these zesty Greek chicken meatballs with a cool herby tzatziki sauce, bringing Greece’s culinary charm to your dinner table. Packed with fresh herbs and tangy yogurt, this dish offers a delightful journey through Greek cuisine you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful mixture by blending ground chicken with almond flour, egg, diced red onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, dill, zesty lemon zest and juice, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Gently shape the seasoned chicken mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring even size for consistent cooking.
3. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil, and carefully place meatballs into the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensure complete internal cooking.
4. Simultaneously prepare the tzatziki sauce by whisking Greek yogurt with freshly grated cucumber, crushed garlic, chopped dill, tangy lemon juice, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Taste and fine-tune flavors as desired.
5. Present the sizzling meatballs alongside the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Complement the dish with warm pita bread, crisp Greek salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Notes

• Ensure ground chicken is cold when mixing to help meatballs hold together better and maintain a tender texture.
• Grate cucumber for tzatziki and drain excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to prevent watery sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken meatballs.
• For gluten-free option, replace almond flour with gluten-free breadcrumbs or coconut flour and serve with lettuce wraps instead of pita.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg