Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki

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🥙 Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki

Description

These juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs are packed with Mediterranean flavors — garlic, oregano, lemon, and fresh herbs — and paired perfectly with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. They make a light yet satisfying meal, great for meal prep, parties, or healthy weeknight dinners.

🍗 Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (or turkey)

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional but adds flavor)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat preferred)

  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or mint)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

🍴 Instructions

1. Prepare the Tzatziki

  1. Grate cucumber, squeeze out excess water using a towel.

  2. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill.

  3. Mix well, season with salt and pepper, and refrigerate while you make the meatballs.

2. Make the Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, herbs, spices, lemon zest, juice, egg, salt, and pepper.

  2. Mix gently (don’t overwork the meat).

  3. Form into 1-inch meatballs.

  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  5. Cook meatballs in batches for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

3. Serve

Serve warm with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.

🍽️ Servings

  • Makes 4 servings (about 3–4 meatballs per person)

  • Perfect for a meal or as appetizers for a gathering.

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values)

  • Calories: 320 kcal

  • Protein: 32 g

  • Fat: 18 g

  • Carbohydrates: 8 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sugar: 2 g

  • Sodium: 380 mg

🌿 Notes

  • Ground Chicken Tip: Use a mix of breast and thigh meat for juicier meatballs.

  • Cooking Option: You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.

  • Make Ahead: Both meatballs and tzatziki can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3–4 days.

  • Freezing: Uncooked meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months.

💡 Tips for the Best Flavor

  1. Don’t skip the lemon zest — it brightens the flavor.

  2. Chill the tzatziki before serving for best texture.

  3. Use fresh herbs like dill and parsley for authentic Greek taste.

  4. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture — it keeps the meatballs tender.

🥗 Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Supports muscle building and repair.

  • Low Carb & Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour for keto or gluten-free diets.

  • Rich in Probiotics: From Greek yogurt in tzatziki.

  • Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil and lean chicken promote heart health.

  • Loaded with Antioxidants: Fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon boost immunity.

❓ Q&A Section

Q1: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly and gives a similar texture.

Q2: How can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for the tzatziki sauce.

Q3: What can I serve with these meatballs?
Pair with rice pilaf, Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or wrap in pita bread.

Q4: Can I air-fry the meatballs?
Yes — air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q5: How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps for up to 4 days.

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