Savory Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe for Family Meals

Succulent and aromatic, these Mediterranean chicken meatballs bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table.

Packed with herbs and spices, the recipe captures the essence of coastal cuisine.

Tender ground chicken forms the base of these delectable bites.

Fragrant garlic, fresh parsley, and zesty lemon zest infuse each morsel with Mediterranean charm.

Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully light, these meatballs offer a healthier twist on traditional recipes.

You’ll love how easily they come together, making weeknight cooking a delightful experience.

Serve these meatballs over couscous or alongside a crisp salad for a meal that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.

Perks Of Making Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Packed with Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and herbs, these chicken meatballs deliver incredible taste with minimal cooking skills required.
• Perfect for busy households, this recipe comes together quickly and offers a crowd-pleasing option that even picky eaters will enjoy without complicated preparation steps.
• Incredibly adaptable for multiple occasions, these meatballs work wonderfully as appetizers, main course with salad or pasta, or tucked into sandwiches and wraps for flexible meal planning.
• Using lean ground chicken instead of beef provides a lighter protein option that doesn't compromise on deliciousness, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious families.

What Goes Into Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: A lean and versatile protein that forms the foundation of these Mediterranean-style meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: These ingredients help hold the meatballs together and provide a perfect tender texture.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a concentrated, sweet-tangy flavor that brings Mediterranean character to the meatballs.
• Feta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses contribute a rich, salty, and slightly sharp taste that elevates the dish.
• Garlic: A classic Mediterranean ingredient that provides depth and aromatic warmth.
• Green Onions, Parsley: These fresh herbs bring brightness and a clean, herbal note to the meatball mixture.

• Salt, Pepper: These basic seasonings help balance and enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.

• Lemon: A fresh squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy finish to the dish.

Steps For Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Environment

Warm up your oven to 400°F.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

Step 2: Blend Flavor Powerhouses

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Feta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Use your hands to thoroughly mix ingredients, ensuring every morsel is perfectly integrated.

Step 3: Shape Delectable Morsels

Roll the mixture into round balls approximately 2 inches in diameter.

Your goal is creating about 18 uniform meatballs that will cook evenly and look stunning.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they transform into a gorgeous golden-brown color and cook completely through.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of melting cheese and herbs.

Step 5: Brighten with Citrus Finish

Optional but recommended: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the meatballs to add a vibrant, zesty touch that elevates the entire dish.

Recipe Tips For Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Gently massage the ground chicken mixture to ensure even distribution of herbs and cheese, preventing clumpy meatballs with uneven seasoning.
• Add a splash of olive oil to the ground chicken mixture to keep the meatballs moist and tender, especially since chicken can easily become dry during baking.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatball sizes, guaranteeing consistent cooking and professional-looking presentation on the plate.
• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey for a similar texture if chicken is unavailable, maintaining the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Make extra meatballs and freeze uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick weeknight meals that can be baked directly from frozen.

How To Store Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent odor absorption.
• Pack cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What Tastes Good With Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair these Mediterranean chicken meatballs with a crisp, light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the feta and complements the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Fresh Greek Salad Partner: Serve alongside a classic Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy olive oil dressing. The fresh vegetables provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, savory meatballs.
• Creamy Tzatziki Dip Enhancer: Create a cool tzatziki sauce with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. This creamy, herbaceous dip adds a refreshing layer that balances the meatballs' intense Mediterranean flavors.
• Herbed Couscous Base: Prepare light, fluffy couscous mixed with fresh herbs like parsley and mint. The delicate grain absorbs the meatballs' juices and provides a perfect neutral backdrop for the bold flavors.

Unique Ways To Make Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same texture and binding properties.
• Vegetarian Adaptation
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and reduce sun-dried tomatoes to lower carbohydrate content while keeping the rich Mediterranean taste.
• Dairy-Free Version: Eliminate feta and parmesan, substituting with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals without compromising the original recipe's robust flavors.

FAQs

• Why use both feta and parmesan cheese?

The combination of feta and parmesan adds layers of tangy and sharp flavors, creating a more complex and rich taste profile for the meatballs that makes them more interesting than using just one type of cheese.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute and will give you a very similar texture and result. The seasonings and overall recipe remain exactly the same when swapping the ground meats.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not in its current form since breadcrumbs contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the binding and texture.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures the chicken is safely cooked through. Alternatively, cut into a meatball to verify there’s no pink in the center.

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean chicken meatballs bring a zesty journey through Greek and Turkish culinary traditions, blending aromatic herbs with lean protein. Savory spices and fresh ingredients create a delightful dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1 egg

Cheese and Breadcrumbs:

• 1/4 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Herbs, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes (packed in oil, chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 squeeze of lemon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, grated parmesan, minced garlic, sliced green onions, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Use hands to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
3. Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 2 inches in diameter. Aim to create around 18 consistent-sized portions for even cooking.
4. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow proper heat circulation.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the exterior turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating complete cooking.
6. Optional: Finish the dish with a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and add a bright, citrusy note.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground chicken with turkey or lean beef for varied flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain meatball texture.
• Meal prep friendly, these meatballs can be frozen uncooked or cooked for up to 3 months, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or packed lunches.
• Add extra moisture by incorporating grated zucchini or finely chopped spinach into the meat mixture, boosting nutritional value and keeping meatballs tender.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg