If you’re dreaming of a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and sure to get everyone asking for seconds, look no further than these Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs. Packed with juicy ground chicken, a rainbow of herbs, and tangy feta, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe perfectly blends savory comfort with zesty brightness. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or organizing a party platter, you’ll love how Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs deliver delicious results with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need to create Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs is a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that classic Greek flavor and texture. With fresh herbs for vibrancy, feta for a salty punch, and a few pantry staples to bind it all together, nothing goes to waste here.
- Ground chicken: Offers a lighter, juicy protein base and soaks up all the herby flavor beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs: Essential for absorbing moisture and giving the meatballs just the right amount of tenderness.
- Egg: Acts as the perfect binder, keeping everything cohesive while baking.
- Garlic: Brings an aromatic depth and delicious sharpness—don’t skip it!
- Red onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a lovely color pop; finely dicing is key for a gentle bite.
- Fresh parsley: Infuses the meatballs with a fresh, grassy lift.
- Fresh dill: Delivers classic Greek flavor and brightness.
- Fresh oregano (or dried): Offers a robust, earthy flavor—fresh is best if you have it, but dried works, too.
- Lemon zest: Adds zing and a hit of citrus aroma for that summery feel.
- Olive oil: Helps keep everything moist and adds rich Mediterranean flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and brings out the best in the chicken.
- Black pepper: Gives these meatballs just a touch of warming heat.
- Paprika: Adds color and a subtle smokiness that plays well with the herbs.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Adds creaminess, saltiness, and tang—little pockets of flavor in every bite.
How to Make Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup later. This simple prep step sets you up for perfectly cooked and beautifully golden Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs.
Step 2: Chop, Mince, and Measure
Gather your garlic, red onion, parsley, dill, oregano, and lemon—then chop, mince, and zest away. Precise prep ensures no big bites of onion or herb overpower the delicate chicken, and the lemon zest will really make the flavor pop. Having everything ready before you start mixing helps things come together faster and more smoothly.
Step 3: Mix Everything Gently
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, all those beautiful herbs, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so use a light hand here.
Step 4: Shape the Meatballs
Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture per meatball (using a spoon or small scoop), and roll them gently between your hands. Each meatball should be about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet, giving each one a little room to brown.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the meatballs are beautifully golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Your kitchen will smell incredible with all those fresh herbs and melting feta!
How to Serve Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
When it comes to Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs, the right garnishes can make all the difference. A shower of extra chopped fresh parsley or dill adds color and freshness, while a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens everything up. Don’t forget a sprinkle of crumbled feta and a drizzle of olive oil for that restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are incredibly versatile and partner well with all sorts of Mediterranean favorites. Serve them alongside warm pita bread, a vibrant Greek salad loaded with cucumbers and tomatoes, or pile them high over a bed of fluffy couscous. Tzatziki sauce is a must for dipping—creamy, cooling, and the perfect counterpoint to the herby, savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs aren’t just for main courses—they shine as appetizers, party bites, or even tucked into a sandwich wrap. Skewer them with cherry tomatoes and cucumber for party platters, or create a playful “Greek bowl” with rice, roasted vegetables, and extra feta. Leftovers are awesome packed into lunch boxes or enjoyed cold atop a leafy salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or quick grab-and-go lunches.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully! Arrange cooked, cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat for a speedy Mediterranean meal.
Reheating
Reheat your Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but reheating in the oven helps preserve their texture and gently crisps the exterior again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and pairs beautifully with the Greek herb and feta flavors. The texture might be slightly different, but you’ll still get that juicy, herby bite.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Just swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. The Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs stay tender and tasty, so everyone can enjoy them no matter their dietary needs.
Can I pan-fry the meatballs instead of baking?
Yes, you can! Sear them in a little olive oil over medium heat for a crispier, golden exterior, turning to brown all sides, then finish in the oven if needed. This gives a wonderful color and texture.
What’s the best way to keep the meatballs moist?
Don’t overwork the mixture when mixing and shaping your meatballs—gently combine just until everything comes together. The egg, olive oil, and feta all help lock in moisture, while breadcrumbs prevent them from drying out.
Can I prep the meatball mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! Mix everything together, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This actually lets the flavors meld together even more, making your Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs extra delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleasing, fresh, and downright delicious recipe, these Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs have you covered. They’re vibrant, versatile, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Give them a try—your dinner table (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs (4 servings)
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are packed with Mediterranean flavors and juicy chicken, making them a delicious and healthy option for a main course or appetizer. Serve them with tzatziki sauce and pita for a complete Greek experience!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Herb Mixture:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- zest of 1 lemon
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and feta. Mix until just combined.
- Form meatballs: Use a spoon or scoop to form 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Serve: Serve warm with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a fresh Greek salad.
Notes
- Meatballs can also be pan-seared for a crispier exterior.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
