Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

There's something truly irresistible about the aroma of freshly baked Greek chicken meatballs filling your kitchen. The combination of juicy ground chicken, fragrant herbs, and tangy feta creates a dish that's both comforting and vibrant.

I first created this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something flavorful yet quick to prepare. Since then, it's become a staple in our home — perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining friends with minimal fuss. Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Get ready to discover your new go-to meal that's as simple as it is satisfying.

First of all, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make. In under 30 minutes, you can have a batch of tender, flavorful meatballs ready to serve, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

It's also wonderfully healthy. Using ground chicken keeps things lean, while ingredients like garlic, oregano, and lemon juice add tons of flavor without extra calories. Plus, you control exactly what goes in, so it's free from unnecessary preservatives or additives.

Budget-friendly is another major win. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or inexpensive grocery items, making it a wallet-friendly option that doesn't skimp on taste.

Best of all, these meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over rice, tucked into pita bread with tzatziki, or alongside a Greek salad — the possibilities are endless and adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

With all these benefits, you'll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Greek chicken meatballs lies in their simple yet carefully balanced ingredients that bring big flavor to your table.

The ground chicken is the star of the show. I like using a mix of breast and thigh meat for the perfect balance of leanness and moisture. If you use only breast meat, consider adding a touch of olive oil to keep the meatballs tender.

Next up is the crumbled feta cheese. Its salty, tangy notes not only add a burst of flavor but also help keep the meatballs moist as they bake. Be sure to use a good-quality feta for the best results — the kind sold in brine tends to have the best flavor.

Freshness comes from garlic, lemon zest, and fresh dill. The garlic gives the meatballs their savory backbone, while the lemon zest brightens the entire mixture. Fresh dill adds a classic Mediterranean touch, but if you can't find it, fresh parsley works beautifully too.

The addition of breadcrumbs and an egg helps bind everything together. I prefer using panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine as well.

You'll also need a sturdy baking sheet and parchment paper to keep cleanup easy and ensure even cooking. A small cookie scoop can be helpful for portioning out evenly sized meatballs.

How To Make This Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Making these Greek chicken meatballs is a straightforward process that even beginner cooks can master.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the meatballs won't stick and makes for easy cleanup later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground chicken, crumbled feta, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon zest, panko breadcrumbs, egg, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs dense.

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, portion the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for even baking.

Transfer the tray to your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden on the outside. If you’d like a bit more color, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.

Once done, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them moist and flavorful.

In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish, making this a perfect option for those busy days when time is short but you still want something homemade and delicious.

Storage Options

These Greek chicken meatballs store wonderfully, making them ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

For short-term storage, place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They'll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

If you want to freeze them, allow the cooked meatballs to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or warm them gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.

These storage options make it easy to have a batch of Greek chicken meatballs ready anytime the craving strikes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your preferences or pantry.

If you’re not a fan of chicken, ground turkey makes an excellent substitute. It offers a similar lean profile while still delivering juicy, flavorful results.

For a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta cheese and add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs for binding. You can also mix in some chopped olives for a bit of salty, briny flavor in place of the feta.

Herb-wise, if you don’t have fresh dill on hand, chopped parsley or mint both work beautifully. Each brings its own unique twist while keeping that classic Greek profile intact.

To make these gluten-free, swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or almond flour. The texture remains wonderfully tender, and no one will even notice the difference.

Feel free to experiment with spices too — a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika can add a warm, earthy dimension that pairs wonderfully with the Mediterranean flavors.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. With just a few tweaks, you can create endless variations that keep mealtime exciting.

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