Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy dish featuring lean ground chicken mixed with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. Baked to perfection, they offer a tender texture with a deliciously salty and tangy taste, perfect served alongside pita, rice, or a fresh Greek salad. This recipe is quick to prepare and makes for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken – Lean and protein-packed base for the meatballs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs – Helps bind the mixture while keeping it light and moist
- 1 large egg – Acts as a binder
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese – Adds a creamy, salty texture
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion – Mild, sweet flavor
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes – Adds a rich, tangy taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Enhances flavor and moisture
- 1 tsp dried oregano – Mediterranean herb for flavor
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Adds depth to seasoning
- ½ tsp dried dill – Fresh, herby note
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances flavors
- ¼ tsp black pepper – Mild kick
Garnish
- Fresh mint or parsley (for garnish) – Adds freshness and color
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a consistent mixture.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands or a scoop, roll the mixture into small, golf ball-sized portions. Place each meatball evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped mint or parsley for an added burst of freshness and color.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve these flavorful Mediterranean chicken meatballs with warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a crisp Greek salad for a complete and balanced Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if desired.
- If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used but may affect the texture slightly.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- If you prefer, you can pan-fry the meatballs in olive oil for a crispier exterior instead of baking.
