Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, these Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are exactly what you need. Combining tender ground chicken with zesty sun-dried tomatoes, creamy feta, and aromatic herbs, every bite is a harmonious dance of savory and fresh notes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe delivers a delightful Mediterranean twist that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and personality in this dish.

  • 1 pound ground chicken: A lean and tender base that keeps the meatballs light and juicy.
  • 1/2 cup panko: Adds a gentle crunch and helps bind the meatballs without heaviness.
  • 1 large egg: Acts as the glue holding everything together perfectly.
  • 1/2 cup feta (crumbled): Salty and creamy, feta introduces authentic Mediterranean character.
  • 1/4 cup red onions (finely diced): Brings a mild sweetness and gentle sharpness to the mix.
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely diced): Imparts rich umami and vibrant color.
  • 1/4 tsp dried dill: Offers a hint of herbal brightness that complements the savory flavors.
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean seasoning deepening the aromatic profile.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Delivers subtle warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for baking and finishing, bringing a fruity richness.
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint (optional, for garnish): Adds refreshing contrast and a pop of green.
  • 1 recipe Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy and cooling, the perfect companion for dipping.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This sets the stage for perfectly baked meatballs with a golden exterior. While the oven warms, combine all your ingredients—ground chicken, panko, egg, feta, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, dill, oregano, garlic powder, and salt—in a large bowl. Using your hands to mix ensures everything is evenly combined, creating a harmonious flavor blend in each bite.

Step 2: Shape Into Perfect Meatballs

Roll the mixture gently into 15 small meatballs, about the size of golf balls. Placing them evenly spaced in five rows of three on a parchment-lined baking sheet means they’ll cook uniformly and crisp up just right. This step is satisfying, almost like little culinary treasures you’re about to turn into a feast.

Step 3: Bake Until Juicy and Cooked Through

Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake these beauties for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re cooked through and slightly golden on the outside. The result is perfectly tender meatballs that stay moist inside without any dryness—thanks to the careful balance of ingredients.

Step 4: Let Rest and Garnish

After baking, allow the Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs to rest for two minutes so the juices settle. Then sprinkle with fresh mint if you’re using it—this pops with fresh herbal brightness. Serve alongside a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce, making every bite delightfully cool and refreshing.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding fresh mint leaves over your Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs brings a light, invigorating aroma and brightens their presentation. A squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of extra feta also enhances the dish, inviting more layers of flavor to the palate.

Side Dishes

These meatballs shine alongside a wealth of Mediterranean-inspired sides. Consider fluffy couscous, lightly grilled vegetables, or a crisp Greek salad bursting with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. Rice pilaf or warm pita bread works wonders for soaking up any extra tzatziki sauce, creating a well-rounded meal that’s as colorful as it is tasty.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack the Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs on skewers with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers for vibrant kebabs. Alternatively, arrange them on a mezze platter with hummus, olives, and roasted peppers for a shareable, festive spread. Each presentation makes the dish even more inviting and perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them handy for quick lunches or easy dinner add-ons.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy their Mediterranean charm whenever you want. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months without losing their delectable texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply bake frozen or refrigerated meatballs in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them gently, but baking helps preserve their juicy interior and crisp edges better.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great low-fat alternative, and the spices and feta still work perfectly to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.

What can I substitute for panko if I don’t have any?

If panko is unavailable, regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even finely ground oats can work as a binder in a pinch. Just remember that panko is lighter and gives a nicer texture.

Is it necessary to bake the meatballs, or can I pan-fry them?

You can pan-fry them if you prefer a quicker cooking method and a slightly crispier exterior. Just cook on medium heat, turning often until cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time and bake later?

Yes, you can shape the meatballs and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes prep easy if you want to get a head start on meals.

What if I don’t have tzatziki sauce at home?

No worries! A dollop of plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little garlic, lemon juice, and cucumber makes a fantastic quick substitute that pairs just as well.

Final Thoughts

Cooking up Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs at home is one of those feel-good experiences that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with joy. With bright flavors and a tender, juicy bite each time, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. Give it a try, and watch how these little delights turn ordinary dinners into wonderful Mediterranean memories.

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Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe

These Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional meatballs, packed with aromatic herbs, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Baked to perfection and served with creamy tzatziki sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or main dish for any Mediterranean-inspired meal.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 15 meatballs 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onions
  • 1/4 cup finely diced sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/4 tsp dried dill
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Garnish & Sauce

  • 1 tbsp fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 recipe Tzatziki Sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the meatballs evenly and thoroughly.
  2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, crumbled feta, diced red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, dried dill, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately 15 small, golf ball-sized meatballs. Arrange them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in five rows of three for even cooking.
  4. Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh mint if desired and serve with tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Ground chicken can be substituted with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • If panko breadcrumbs are not available, regular breadcrumbs can be used.
  • Adjust the salt level if your feta cheese is particularly salty.
  • Ensure meatballs are cooked through by checking with a meat thermometer to avoid any food safety issues.
  • Tzatziki sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on convenience.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 meatballs
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken meatballs, baked chicken meatballs, feta meatballs, tzatziki, healthy meatballs, Mediterranean recipe

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