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To make Baked Greek Chicken Meatballs, you will need: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 egg, lightly beaten - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup tzatziki sauce (for serving) Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Fresh parsley gives a vibrant flavor. Good quality chicken keeps the meatballs juicy. Fresh garlic adds a punch that dried garlic can't match. When you use fresh items, your dish shines. Try to buy local when possible. It helps you support your community and enjoy better taste. You can swap some ingredients to make these meatballs your own. Use ground turkey or beef if you prefer. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can add feta cheese for a tangy twist. Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. If you want a herb boost, try dill or mint. Get creative with what you have! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 egg, lightly beaten - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup tzatziki sauce (for serving) Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine all your ingredients. Mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and cheese together. Add the parsley, onion, and garlic next. Don’t forget the oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beaten egg and lemon zest. Use your hands or a spoon to mix well, but be gentle. You don’t want tough meatballs. Once mixed, form the mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1.5 inches in size. Place them on your lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the meatballs. This adds flavor and moisture. Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should look golden brown when done. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. When they are ready, take them out and let them rest for a few minutes. Enjoy them warm with tzatziki sauce. To keep your meatballs moist, use fresh ground chicken. Add breadcrumbs to help hold moisture. The egg also binds the mix and adds moisture. Avoid overmixing; this can lead to tough meatballs. Drizzling olive oil on top before baking adds extra flavor and moisture. Bake them just until they are golden brown, and the internal temperature hits 165°F. You only need a few tools to make these meatballs. A large mixing bowl is key for combining the ingredients. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands for mixing. A cookie scoop helps to form evenly sized meatballs. Parchment paper on the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. An instant-read thermometer ensures perfect cooking. Serve these meatballs warm with tzatziki sauce. A Greek salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives pairs well. Fresh pita bread can enhance the meal and add texture. You can also serve them over rice or with pasta for a twist. For added flavor, sprinkle some feta cheese on top before serving. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh parsley and garlic to enhance the flavor of your meatballs. Don’t Overmix: Mix the meatball ingredients gently to maintain a tender texture; overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorites like paprika or feta cheese for extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can add heat to the meatballs with chili flakes. Start with half a teaspoon. Mix it in with the other spices. If you want more heat, add a bit more. You could also use spicy feta cheese instead of regular feta. This gives a nice kick and extra flavor. If you want a meat-free option, use chickpeas or lentils. Mash them well and mix with breadcrumbs. You can add some grated zucchini for moisture. Use the same spices to keep that Greek flavor. These veggie meatballs are tasty and healthy. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber and a nutty flavor. They also make the meatballs a bit denser. Regular breadcrumbs are lighter and fluffier. You can choose based on your taste or what you have at home. Both types work well in this recipe. To store baked Greek chicken meatballs, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. If you stack them, add parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, opt for freezing. To reheat meatballs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread them on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warm. You can also reheat them in a microwave. Place them on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often. If you freeze meatballs, make sure they are fully cooled. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quicker thawing. Just use a low setting and check regularly. To keep meatballs moist, use a few simple tricks. First, do not overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can make them tough. Second, add wet ingredients like egg and olive oil. These help keep the meat moist. Finally, baking the meatballs on parchment helps them cook evenly without drying out. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. You can prepare the meatball mixture and form the balls. Then, cover them and place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to a day. You can also freeze them for later. Freeze the raw meatballs on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a bag. They can last for three months in the freezer. I love serving Baked Greek Chicken Meatballs with tzatziki sauce. It adds a creamy and tangy flavor. You can also pair them with a Greek salad. A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives works well. Fresh pita bread is a great side too. It helps scoop up the meatballs and sauce. These sides make a complete and tasty meal! This blog post covered how to make Baked Greek Chicken Meatballs. We explored the key ingredients, emphasizing the value of fresh items. You learned step-by-step instructions for prep, mixing, and baking. Tips helped you ensure moist meatballs, while storage info guided effective reheating. Lastly, variations allowed for tasty changes. In conclusion, these meatballs are easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor. Enjoy experimenting with your own twists!

Baked Greek Chicken Meatballs

Delicious and healthy baked chicken meatballs with Greek flavors, served with tzatziki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • 1 unit zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup tzatziki sauce (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, red onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, beaten egg, and lemon zest.
  • Mix the ingredients with your hands or a spoon until well combined; be careful not to overmix.
  • Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil for added moisture and flavor.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  • Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad for a complete meal.
Keyword baked, chicken, Greek, meatballs, tzatziki