Greek Chicken Meatballs – Best Recipe

Looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that feels both healthy and comforting? These Greek Chicken Meatballs are just what your weeknight routine needs. Infused with Mediterranean herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and savory spices, this dish is quick to prep, perfect for meal prep, and endlessly versatile. Whether you serve them in a bowl, in a pita, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatballs offer a bright, zesty take on a classic comfort food favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Greek Chicken Meatballs

What sets these Greek Chicken Meatballs apart is the irresistible blend of herbs and spices that create a fresh, tangy flavor profile. Made with lean ground chicken and a mix of dill, mint, garlic, and lemon zest, they’re lighter than traditional meatballs but just as satisfying. Ideal for quick meals, they cook in under 20 minutes and reheat beautifully, making them a smart option for busy families, meal preppers, or Mediterranean diet lovers.

They also work great in many forms — bowl, wrap, or appetizer — so you’ll never get bored with how you serve them. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and high in protein.

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: Provides a lean, tender base that soaks up all the Greek-inspired flavors.
• Fresh Dill: Brings brightness and that unmistakable Mediterranean herbaceous note.
• Fresh Mint: Adds cooling, aromatic depth that balances out the savory spices.
• Ground Cumin: Lends a warm, earthy flavor for a classic Greek meatball taste.
• Dried Oregano: A key herb in Greek cooking, adding a savory, slightly bitter balance.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a hint of heat to lift the dish without overwhelming.
• Red Onion: Finely chopped for texture and a bit of sharpness.
• Garlic (minced): Intensifies the flavor—fresh garlic is a must here.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the meat.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the entire meatball mixture.
• Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying the meatballs to golden perfection.

Ingredient Swaps for Flexibility

• Ground Turkey: A great alternative to chicken with a similar lean texture and taste.
• Dried Herbs: If you’re out of fresh dill or mint, use dried—just remember 1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh.
• Lemon Juice: No zest? A splash of fresh lemon juice still gives that tangy brightness.
• White or Yellow Onion: If red onion isn’t on hand, these will work in a pinch.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, herbs, spices, red onion, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until everything is evenly combined, but don’t overwork it.
2. Form the Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the mixture. Roll each into a smooth ball with damp hands to prevent sticking.
3. Cook in Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from skillet and serve warm with tzatziki, veggies, and your choice of base (salad greens, rice, or pita).

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Meatballs

• Don’t overmix the meat mixture—doing so can make the meatballs dense.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F without drying out.
• Lightly wet your hands when forming meatballs to keep the mixture from sticking.
• Double the batch and freeze half (uncooked or cooked) for easy future meals.

Pairing Ideas & Variations to Try

These Greek Chicken Meatballs are incredibly adaptable and pair beautifully with:

• Tzatziki Sauce: The creamy cucumber-yogurt dip is a must for Greek flavors.
• Greek Salad Bowl: Serve over romaine with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, and red onion.
• Pita Sandwich: Stuff meatballs into warm pita with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki.
• With Rice or Quinoa: For a more filling, grain-based meal.
• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free with no breadcrumbs required.

Make-ahead tips: Prepare and freeze the raw meatball mix or fully cooked meatballs. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in the air fryer.

Air Fryer & Oven Methods for Easy Cooking

Don’t want to pan-fry? No problem.

Air Fryer Method
Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Make sure they hit 165°F internally.

Oven Method
Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet pan until golden and cooked through.

Both methods give you crispy exteriors with tender centers and free up stovetop space.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer (Raw or Cooked): Store in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake from frozen at 300°F for 20-25 minutes or thaw first and microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Perfect for meal prep and batch cooking—these Greek Chicken Meatballs make weeknight dinners effortless.

Wrapping It All Up

These Greek Chicken Meatballs strike the perfect balance between fresh Mediterranean flavor and everyday simplicity. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, planning a healthy meal prep routine, or putting together a vibrant spread for guests, these meatballs adapt to any occasion. Thanks to lean ground chicken and bold herbs like dill, mint, and oregano, every bite bursts with savory, zesty flavor. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again — they’re just that good.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Meatballs

More Relevant Recipes

• Mini Meatloaf Recipe (Healthy Turkey): A lighter spin on traditional meatloaf, this recipe uses lean ground turkey and simple seasonings, much like Greek Chicken Meatballs. It’s a protein-rich, family-friendly option that cooks quickly and pairs well with vegetables or grains.
• Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls: These bowls are packed with flavor thanks to their sweet and savory sauce over lean chicken. The focus on balanced macros and easy prep aligns perfectly with the wholesome style of Greek Chicken Meatballs.
• Mediterranean-Style Chicken Piccata: This dish infuses bright lemon and caper flavors into lean chicken, offering a zesty and healthy option similar in spirit and flavor profile to Greek Chicken Meatballs. Great for weeknight meals with a Mediterranean twist.

Print