If you are craving a dish that brings together tender, flavorful bites with a creamy, refreshing sauce, then you are in for a treat with this Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of juicy chicken meatballs seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices, perfectly complemented by the cool tang of homemade tzatziki. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe offers a burst of Mediterranean flavors that feel both comforting and vibrant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each one plays an essential role in creating the authentic flavor and pleasing texture that make this dish so irresistible. From the fragrant oregano to the creamy Greek yogurt, every element adds its own magic.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for keto): Helps bind the meatballs while adding a subtle texture.
- 1 egg white: Acts as a natural binder without adding extra richness.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meatballs with that unmistakable savory aroma.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: The star herb that gives a distinctly Greek character.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into harmony.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the tzatziki sauce, offering richness and tang.
- 1/2 cucumber, grated: Adds freshness and crunch in the tzatziki.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a silky texture and subtle fruitiness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Brightens the sauce with herbal notes.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Delivers a zesty punch to balance richness.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Gives the tzatziki that signature bold garlic flavor.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right to ensure your meatballs cook evenly, getting that golden brown exterior while staying juicy inside.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs or almond flour, egg white, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mixing everything thoroughly is key to evenly distribute the flavors and help the meatballs hold together without being dense.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized meatballs. Placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup. This step is where you set the stage for those perfectly shaped, evenly cooked morsels.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden Brown
Put the tray in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature. The oven’s dry heat creates a slight crust while sealing in all the savory juices.
Step 5: Prepare the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The tzatziki perfectly balances the warm meatballs with its cool, herby brightness.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once everything is ready, plate your meatballs alongside a generous spoonful of homemade tzatziki. Whether you dollop the sauce on top or serve it as a dip, you’re about to enjoy a harmony of textures and flavors that make the Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe so memorable.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or extra dill add color and an additional layer of herbal aroma, making the dish look as good as it tastes. A light drizzle of olive oil on top of the tzatziki also adds a lovely shine and a touch of richness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad, warm pita bread or even roasted vegetables. The freshness of a tomato and cucumber salad or the crispness of grilled asparagus provides contrast and balances the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these meatballs on skewers for a fun appetizer or stuff them into warm pita pockets with extra tzatziki and crunchy veggies for a satisfying handheld meal. You could even serve them over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa for added texture and heartiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The meatballs will stay flavorful and moist for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy this Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe even after the main meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish on hand for longer, freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. Store the tzatziki separately in the fridge, as fresh yogurt sauces do not freeze well.
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve their texture and juiciness. Serve the tzatziki cold or at room temperature for the best flavor contrast when ready to eat again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a lean alternative, and the seasoning in this Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe complements turkey perfectly.
Is almond flour really okay for keto?
Yes, substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour is a smart way to keep these meatballs keto-friendly without sacrificing texture or flavor.
How can I make the tzatziki less watery?
After grating the cucumber, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel before adding to the yogurt. This keeps your tzatziki thick and creamy.
Can I grill the meatballs instead of baking?
Grilling is a great option! Just be sure to use a grill basket or skewers to prevent them from falling apart since ground chicken is delicate.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and fragrant rather than spicy, making it approachable for all taste preferences. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe — it’s a dish that feels both fresh and comforting, bright yet hearty. Once you try making these yourself, you’ll find how effortlessly they come together and just how addictive the combination of juicy meatballs and creamy tzatziki can be. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to wow anyone lucky enough to share this delicious meal with you!
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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy dish seasoned with oregano and cumin, baked to golden perfection, and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe offers a delicious taste of Mediterranean cuisine with a low-fat and gluten-free option.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for keto)
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs or almond flour, egg white, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a uniform mixture.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs for uniform cooking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- Prepare tzatziki sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and flavors are blended.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken meatballs hot alongside or topped with a generous amount of the homemade tzatziki sauce for dipping. Enjoy this flavorful and refreshing meal.
Notes
- Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs keto-friendly and gluten-free.
- Ensure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- For a smoother tzatziki, strain excess liquid from the grated cucumber before mixing.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings and freezes well for meal prep.
- Try serving the meatballs in pita bread with fresh vegetables for a Greek-inspired wrap.
