If you love bright, fresh flavors and a comforting, satisfying meal, you are going to adore this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Bursting with fragrant herbs like parsley, dill, and mint, these tender meatballs bring a sunny Mediterranean vibe right to your kitchen. The mix of lemon zest and juice adds just the right zing, while garlic and oregano deepen the classic Greek profile. Whether pan-fried to a golden crust or baked for convenience, these meatballs offer a juicy, wholesome bite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorites to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet carefully selected ingredients. Each element contributes to the freshness, texture, and signature flavor that makes this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe so irresistible.
- One pound ground chicken: The lean protein base keeps the meatballs light and healthy.
- One half cup finely chopped fresh parsley: Adds bright, grassy notes that elevate the dish.
- One quarter cup finely chopped fresh dill: Provides a subtly sweet, anise-like flavor essential to Greek cuisine.
- Two tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint: Contributes a cool, refreshing dimension.
- One half cup finely diced red onion: Offers a mild crunch and a touch of sweetness.
- Two cloves garlic minced: Infuses a robust, savory depth.
- One teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that rounds out the Mediterranean taste.
- One teaspoon lemon zest: Brings a sparkling citrus aroma without extra acidity.
- One tablespoon lemon juice: Adds fresh brightness and balances richness.
- One half cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and retain moisture.
- One egg: Acts as a natural binder for the meatball mixture.
- One teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors perfectly.
- One quarter teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick.
- Two tablespoons olive oil for cooking: Provides a fruity richness and perfect browning medium.
How to Make Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your fresh herbs, lemon, and aromatics. In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground chicken, parsley, dill, mint, red onion, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. The key here is to combine everything thoroughly but without overworking the mixture, so your meatballs remain tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Once your mixture is well blended, roll it into uniform one-inch meatballs. This size cooks nicely and gives you a beautiful balance of golden crust and juicy interior with every bite. Using your hands gently is the best way to keep the texture just right.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. They should develop a gorgeous golden-brown color and be cooked through in about 10 to 12 minutes total. If you prefer baking, place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and just cooked through.
How to Serve Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
To amplify the authentic Greek flair, a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce on top of your meatballs is an absolute must. Sprinkle with a little extra freshly chopped parsley or mint for a burst of color and freshness that’s as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve your meatballs alongside fluffy rice or a vibrant Greek salad tossed with tomato, cucumber, olives, and feta. These classic accompaniments balance the savory meatballs and provide a deliciously wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or elevate weeknight dinners? Turn this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe into a cozy pita wrap with crisp veggies and tzatziki, or arrange meatballs over a bed of orzo pasta with lemony greens for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They make a perfect protein-packed lunch or quick dinner component.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully. After shaping, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep up to three months, making it easy to enjoy this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs in a skillet with a splash of water or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep their lovely texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other ground meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken keeps these meatballs light and delicate, ground turkey or a blend of beef and lamb can also work wonderfully for a richer flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Just swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions available at most stores. This simple change keeps the texture and taste just as delicious without gluten.
Is it better to bake or pan-fry the meatballs?
Both methods work well. Pan-frying gives you a crispier crust and quicker cooking, while baking is hands-off and can be easier for larger batches. Choose what suits your schedule!
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, which helps the flavors meld beautifully.
What sauces pair well besides tzatziki?
Try pairing with a fresh tomato sauce, a lemony yogurt dip, or even a garlicky hummus for diverse flavor combinations that complement the herbs in the meatballs.
Final Thoughts
This Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe truly captures the heart of Mediterranean cooking—fresh herbs, bright citrus, and wholesome ingredients coming together for a meal that feels both special and comforting. If you’re looking to add a vibrant new dish to your repertoire, these meatballs are an absolute winner. Give them a try and watch your friends and family fall in love with every flavorful bite!
Print
Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on classic meatballs, infused with fresh parsley, dill, mint, and lemon zest. Perfectly cooked in a skillet or baked, they make a delicious main course served with tzatziki, rice, or a Greek salad. They also offer a gluten-free option and freeze well for meal prep.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, parsley, dill, mint, red onion, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into one-inch meatballs, aiming for about 20 meatballs total for even cooking.
- Cook in Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, turning carefully to get a golden crust. Continue cooking until the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes total.
- Alternative Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs warm with tzatziki sauce, rice, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra moisture, add 2 tablespoons of grated onion to the meatball mixture.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These meatballs freeze well; to reheat, thaw completely and warm in a skillet or oven until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
