Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavor and is just as happy to star at a get-together as it is in your meal prep lunchbox, look no further than Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce. These juicy, herb-packed meatballs come together quickly and pair perfectly with the creamy, tangy coolness of classic tzatziki. Whether you tuck them into a pita, pile them onto salads, or serve them solo for dipping, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of comfort, nutrition, and vibrant Greek flair. It’s become a reliable favorite in my own kitchen and I can’t wait for yours to try it out!

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how the ingredients for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce are both easy to find and effortlessly transform basic pantry staples into a Mediterranean feast. Every single element has a purpose—fresh herbs for brightness, Greek yogurt for lusciousness, and just the right touch of spice for unforgettable flavor.

  • Ground chicken: Lean, protein-rich ground chicken provides a light, juicy base that soaks up every bit of flavor.
  • Red onion: Finely chopped red onion brings a sweet, sharp crunch and a pop of color to the meatballs.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds a garden-fresh note and a touch of vibrant green color, essential for authentic taste.
  • Fresh dill: This herb gives both the meatballs and the tzatziki their unmistakable Greek essence—don’t skip it!
  • Garlic: Two cloves (plus one more for tzatziki) infuse the meatballs and sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
  • Dried oregano: A pinch of oregano ties the spices together and underscores that classic Greek flavor profile.
  • Salt: Just the right amount brings every ingredient into bold, beautiful harmony.
  • Black pepper: A bit of black pepper sharpens and livens up the meatballs.
  • Breadcrumbs: These soak up juices and help the meatballs hold their shape—gluten-free if you’d like!
  • Egg: Acts as the perfect binder, ensuring your meatballs are soft yet sturdy.
  • Olive oil: Adds richness and golden color to both the cooked meatballs and the silky tzatziki.
  • Plain Greek yogurt: This creamy, tangy yogurt forms the base of a luscious homemade tzatziki sauce.
  • Grated cucumber: Be sure to squeeze the cucumber dry—it keeps your tzatziki thick and fresh, never watery.
  • Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice wakes everything up with its zingy brightness—it’s essential in Mediterranean dishes.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Mix Up the Meatball Mixture

Start by reaching for a large mixing bowl and add your ground chicken, red onion, parsley, dill, garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Use clean hands or a fork to gently combine everything. This is where the magic happens! Mix just until everything is evenly distributed—over-mixing can make the meatballs tough. It’s worth a gentle hand for those tender little bites.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

With damp hands, scoop up a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Aim for about 18 to 20 small, even-sized meatballs for the best cooking and serving experience. Place them on a plate or parchment-lined tray as you go. Uniform meatballs mean they’ll cook at the same rate and look extra inviting when served!

Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the meatballs in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan. Let them sizzle, turning every few minutes so each side gets beautifully golden and crisp. After about 8 to 10 minutes, they should be cooked through (aim for an internal temp of 165°F if you have a thermometer). Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!

Step 4: Stir Up the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

While the meatballs do their thing, whip up the simple homemade tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, thoroughly squeezed grated cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Give it a quick taste and add a pinch more lemon or dill if you like extra brightness. Pop it in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to eat—it will thicken a bit and let the flavors mingle.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

With everything ready, it’s time for the best part: assembly! Serve the sizzling Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce warm, with a generous bowl of the sauce for dipping or spooning right over the top. Each bite is juicy, tangy, and absolutely packed with the flavors of Greece.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Dress up your platter with a sprinkle of extra fresh dill, chopped parsley, or a few thin slices of red onion for color and crunch. For a finishing touch, add a lemon wedge or two—the bright citrus gives guests a chance to personalize each bite with a little zesty kick.

Side Dishes

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce pair beautifully with classic Mediterranean sides. Think herby lemon rice, a crisp Greek salad, or warm pita bread to scoop up every drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and eggplant make for wonderful, colorful companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading meatballs and veggies onto skewers for a fun appetizer, or stuff everything into warm, fluffy flatbreads for the world’s best sandwich. A big platter with meatballs, tzatziki, olives, feta, and pita chips makes for a show-stopping party board—no matter how you serve them, you’ll get rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once dinner is done, store any leftover Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The meatballs will keep their flavor and texture for up to four days; the tzatziki sauce may separate a bit, so give it a quick stir before serving again.

Freezing

For future cravings, freeze cooked, cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months. I don’t recommend freezing tzatziki sauce, as the yogurt tends to separate—but you can always stir up a fresh batch in minutes!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm meatballs in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but the oven helps them retain their slightly crispy exterior. Serve with freshly stirred tzatziki and enjoy like they’re straight from the skillet.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe and still soaks up all those wonderful Greek flavors. Just make sure you use turkey that’s not too lean so your meatballs stay juicy.

What else can I add to the meatballs?

Feel free to sneak in a handful of finely chopped spinach, a sprinkle of crumbled feta, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick. This base recipe loves a little personalization!

How do I make this gluten free?

For a gluten-free version, simply swap in certified gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce are naturally gluten free.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! Place shaped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spritz with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes. They’ll come out juicy and golden, with less hands-on time.

How far ahead can I make the tzatziki sauce?

Tzatziki sauce tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, so feel free to make it up to two days ahead. It thickens as it chills and the flavors get even more vibrant!

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce have a way of turning ordinary dinners into a celebration. The speed, simplicity, and epic flavors make this a recipe you’ll want to put on repeat. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a favorite at my table and is sure to become one at yours, too!

Print
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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

These Greek chicken meatballs are bursting with Mediterranean flavors and served with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a satisfying meal!


Ingredients

Scale

For the meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the tzatziki sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, red onion, parsley, dill, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until just combined. Form into small meatballs.
  2. Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook meatballs for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  3. Make the tzatziki sauce: Mix yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and olive oil. Chill until serving.
  4. Serve: Enjoy warm meatballs with tzatziki sauce!

Notes

  • These meatballs are versatile and great for wraps, salads, or with rice.
  • Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes for an alternative cooking method.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 meatballs + 2 tablespoons tzatziki
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 410mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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