If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean, the Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. These tender meatballs burst with fragrant herbs and spices, perfectly complemented by a refreshing tzatziki sauce that combines creamy Greek yogurt with crisp cucumber and zesty lemon. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, healthy, and downright delicious, making it an absolute favorite for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to capturing the authentic flavors of this Greek chicken meatball dish. Each item plays a special role, whether it’s building texture, enhancing aroma, or balancing taste for a perfectly harmonious outcome.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps these meatballs light yet juicy.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for keto): Adds binding and a tender bite, with almond flour as a low-carb alternative.
- 1 egg white: Helps hold the meatballs together without extra fat.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects a warm, aromatic kick essential in Greek cuisine.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: The herb that famously defines Mediterranean dishes.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a subtle earthy warmth, enriching the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for highlighting all the flavors.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: The creamy heart of the homemade tzatziki sauce, rich and tangy.
- 1/2 cucumber, grated: Brings crisp, refreshing coolness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Smooths out the tzatziki and adds a golden richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: A fragrant herb that brightens and freshens every bite.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides zesty acidity that balances the creaminess.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Gives the tzatziki its classic garlicky punch.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Mix Meatball Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking. In a large bowl, gather the ground chicken, breadcrumbs or almond flour, egg white, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until all those ingredients meld together into one harmonious, fragrant mixture without overworking it, so the meatballs stay tender.
Step 2: Form and Bake the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs—this helps them cook uniformly and develop that beautiful golden crust. Place each meatball on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them space to bake evenly. Slide the tray into the oven and let the meatballs bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through, juicy on the inside but slightly crispy on the outside.
Step 3: Whip Up the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, it’s time to make the star accompaniment—the tzatziki sauce. Combine creamy Greek yogurt, freshly grated cucumber, olive oil, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir everything together until smooth and perfectly blended, offering that classic cool and tangy flavor that makes this sauce irresistible.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, serve them immediately with a generous dollop or side of your homemade tzatziki sauce. The contrast between warm, tender meatballs and creamy, fresh sauce is nothing short of delightful. This is truly the Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe at its finest moment.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra garnishes instantly elevates this dish. Sprinkle some extra chopped fresh dill or parsley over the meatballs for an herbaceous pop of color and flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten every bite, making the dish look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean staples like fluffy pita bread, warm couscous, or a vibrant Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables or a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette that echoes the citrus notes in the tzatziki sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn this classic into a fun party appetizer by serving these meatballs on skewers with a tzatziki dipping bowl alongside. Or use the meatballs and sauce as a filling for wraps or pita pockets, adding fresh tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for a handheld, flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can store the meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The meatballs will keep well for up to three days, while the tzatziki remains fresh and tangy if consumed within two days.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. The tzatziki sauce does not freeze well due to the yogurt, so it’s best to prepare that fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the best texture. Serve alongside freshly made tzatziki sauce to bring back that fresh-cooked flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work similarly in this recipe, offering a mild flavor that complements the herbs and spices just as well as chicken.
Is almond flour a good substitute for breadcrumbs?
Yes, almond flour is a fantastic low-carb alternative that also adds a subtle nutty flavor. It’s perfect if you’re keeping this Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe keto-friendly.
How can I make the meatballs more moist?
Including the egg white and finely chopped onion helps keep the meatballs juicy. Avoid overmixing the meat to prevent them from becoming dense, and baking at a high temperature ensures they stay tender inside.
Can I prepare tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
You can make tzatziki sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld. Just be sure to drain excess liquid from the grated cucumber to keep the sauce from becoming watery.
What else can I serve with this dish?
This recipe goes well with a variety of Mediterranean sides — think roasted vegetables, lemon herb rice, or even a chilled lentil salad. The possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing with these flavorful meatballs and creamy tzatziki.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels special yet is so simple to make. Each bite brings the soul of Greek cooking to your table, wrapped in the comfort of homemade goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this recipe promises to become a cherished favorite.
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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce offer a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal. Tender ground chicken meatballs seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices are baked to perfection and paired with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party finger food, this recipe is quick to prepare and delightful to enjoy.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the 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 evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through completely.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are blended.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are done, serve them hot with a generous amount of homemade tzatziki sauce either spooned on top or on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute almond flour for breadcrumbs to make this recipe keto-friendly.
- For extra flavor, refrigerate the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before shaping.
- The tzatziki sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier sauce, or low-fat yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make sure to finely grate and squeeze excess water out of the cucumber to avoid a watery tzatziki sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
