These Greek chicken meatballs are light, juicy, and packed with fresh Mediterranean flavor. Made with simple ingredients and paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish feels fresh yet comforting. It works beautifully for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.
The combination of seasoned chicken and tangy yogurt sauce creates a balance that’s satisfying without feeling heavy.
Why This Recipe Works
- Tender, flavorful meatballs without being greasy
- Refreshing tzatziki that complements the herbs perfectly
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation
- Versatile — serve as an appetizer or main dish
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs
- 1 pound (about 450 g) ground chicken
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix gently just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into evenly sized balls and place them on a plate or baking sheet.
3. Cook the Meatballs
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides until lightly golden. Transfer to a preheated oven (about 400°F / 200°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
4. Prepare the Tzatziki
Squeeze as much moisture as possible from the grated cucumber. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve
Serve the warm meatballs with the chilled tzatziki on the side or spooned over the top. They pair well with pita bread, rice, salads, or roasted vegetables.
Helpful Tips
- Drain the cucumber thoroughly to keep the sauce thick
- Chill the tzatziki for 15–30 minutes for better flavor
- Use a cookie scoop to keep meatballs uniform
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days
Serving Ideas
- Stuff into pita with lettuce and tomatoes
- Serve over rice or couscous
- Add to a Greek-style salad bowl
- Enjoy as a party appetizer with toothpicks