Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
If you love bright, zesty Mediterranean flavors and crave a protein-packed meal that the whole family will devour, you’ve got to try these Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs. Packed with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy feta cheese, these bite-sized wonders are bursting with sunshine in every mouthful. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a skillet, you’ll bring delicious Greek flair straight to your table—no passport required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather up these everyday ingredients and you’ll quickly be on your way to a kitchen filled with irresistible aromas! Each element brings something special to our Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs—whether it’s juicy tenderness, a hit of freshness, or an unbeatable cheesy depth.
- Ground chicken: Lean and versatile, it soaks up the herbs and spices like a dream.
- Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and gentle crunch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): That satisfying savory punch every Greek recipe needs.
- Feta cheese (⅓ cup, crumbled): Salty, creamy pockets of flavor in every bite.
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): This herby staple brings grassy, bright notes.
- Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): Classic Greek addition; you’ll love the unmistakable aroma.
- Fresh mint (1 tablespoon, chopped): Invigorates everything with a cool, peppery zing.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Earthy, fragrant, and a Mediterranean essential!
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Lifts and enhances all the dish’s flavors, don’t skip it.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For gentle warmth and subtle kick.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): The ultimate binder, keeping your meatballs moist and tender.
- Egg (1 large): Holds the mixture together and adds richness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for cooking): Golden, rich, and perfect for frying to crisp, fragrant perfection.
How to Make Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—give yourself plenty of room! Toss in the ground chicken, red onion, minced garlic, crumbled feta, parsley, dill, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to blend everything together until evenly combined. The trick here is to mix just enough so everything is integrated, but not so much that the mixture gets dense. You’re aiming for tender, fluffy Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs!
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Once your mix is ready, dampen your hands (this helps prevent sticking!) and gently form it into meatballs, about 1 ½ inches wide. You should end up with around 18 to 20 meatballs in total. Lining them up on a tray as you go makes the next step a breeze.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the meatballs in batches—don’t overcrowd, so each one gets lovely color. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden-brown and cooked all the way through (their centers should hit 165°F on a thermometer). The surface will develop a tantalizing crust, locking in all those herby juices.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs to a plate and serve immediately while still juicy and warm. They’re ready to be the star of any meal, especially with cool tzatziki, pillowy pita, or a crisp Greek salad by their side!
How to Serve Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh herbs (think parsley, dill, or mint) takes these meatballs from tasty to totally irresistible. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil brings even more Greek flair. And don’t forget a big squeeze of lemon juice—it brightens everything and makes the flavors pop!
Side Dishes
Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs were made for pairing! Tuck them into warm pita wraps with tzatziki and sliced cucumbers, serve them atop a vibrant Greek salad, or cozy them up next to roasted potatoes. Rice pilaf or a tabbouleh salad also soak up the juices beautifully. You truly can’t go wrong.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your next party by skewering mini Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs as cheeky appetizers—just add tiny fork picks and a tangy yogurt dip. Or, build colorful bowls with quinoa, grilled veggies, olives, and these meatballs for Mediterranean meal prep perfection!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, stash the cooled meatballs in an airtight container in your fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making them an ideal option for quick lunches or snack attacks throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or freezer-safe container—they’ll keep for up to 2 months! Perfect for those nights when you need a homemade dinner, fast.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, reheat the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water for juiciness, or pop them in a 350°F oven until heated through. The microwave works too in a pinch, though the oven keeps them closest to their freshly cooked glory.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if that’s what you have on hand. It’s equally lean and absorbs all those herby flavors just as beautifully as chicken.
Are these Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?
They can be! Just swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and you have a dish that’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten, without sacrificing taste or texture.
What kind of feta is best for this recipe?
Look for a good-quality, firm feta that crumbles easily. Sheep’s milk feta delivers the creamiest texture and most authentic Greek flavor, but use whatever you can find locally.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Totally! Arrange the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll get golden, slightly crisp outsides and juicy insides—and less cleanup too!
How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?
Be careful not to overmix the ingredients and pull them off the heat as soon as they reach 165°F inside. The feta, fresh herbs, and egg all work together to keep these Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
With huge flavor and a short ingredient list, Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are destined to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re making weeknight dinners or impressing guests, you’ll love how quickly these come together—and how fast they disappear! Give them a whirl and let your tastebuds take a little trip to the Mediterranean tonight.
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Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are bursting with Mediterranean flavors from fresh herbs and feta cheese. Juicy and flavorful, these meatballs are perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, red onion, garlic, feta, parsley, dill, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs (about 18–20 total).
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add meatballs, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with tzatziki, pita, or a fresh Greek salad.
Notes
- For a lighter option, bake the meatballs at 400°F for 18–20 minutes.
- These meatballs freeze well after cooking—reheat in a skillet or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
