This Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings together juicy, protein-packed chicken meatballs with a refreshing, zesty tzatziki sauce. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or simply looking for a wholesome meal, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and energized!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Greek-inspired chicken meatballs are savory, tender, and perfectly spiced with oregano and cumin, while the homemade tzatziki sauce adds a cool and tangy contrast. It’s a great low-carb, high-protein meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with Mediterranean flavors. Serve them as a main dish, in wraps, or alongside a fresh salad for a satisfying meal that’s full of healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for keto)
- 1 egg
- 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
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs (or almond flour for keto), egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, make the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Serve the meatballs with a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on top or on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a keto version of the meatballs.
- Herb Variations: Add other fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the tzatziki sauce for a different twist.
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or lentils instead of ground chicken to make a plant-based meatball.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or microwave them until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for ground chicken in these meatballs.
2. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the tzatziki sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
3. Can I bake the meatballs in a different way?
If you prefer, you can cook the meatballs on the stovetop. Heat a little oil in a pan and cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt for the tzatziki sauce?
Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the tzatziki sauce.
5. Can I make the meatballs without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free or low-carb version of the meatballs.
6. Can I add cheese to the meatballs?
Yes, you can add crumbled feta cheese to the meatball mixture for an extra savory flavor that pairs well with the Greek-inspired dish.
7. How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs are done when they are golden brown on the outside, firm to the touch, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking them. You can also freeze them uncooked for longer storage.
9. Can I add a different spice to the meatballs?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder for additional flavor.
10. What should I serve with these meatballs?
Serve these meatballs with a side of sautéed vegetables, a fresh salad, or some cauliflower rice for a complete, low-carb meal.
Conclusion
These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce are a perfect healthy meal, packed with protein and fresh Mediterranean flavors. The juicy, flavorful meatballs paired with the creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce make for a satisfying meal that is both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves flavorful, wholesome food!
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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce are the perfect combination of savory, juicy meatballs and creamy, tangy sauce. Made with lean ground chicken, fresh herbs, and served with a zesty homemade tzatziki, this dish is low-carb, high-protein, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a healthy dinner, meal prep, or a satisfying snack!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
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 the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs (or almond flour for keto), egg white, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the meatballs bake, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Serve the meatballs with a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on top or on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Keto-Friendly: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a keto version.
- Herb Variations: Add parsley or mint to the tzatziki sauce for extra freshness.
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Use chickpeas or lentils instead of ground chicken to make a plant-based meatball.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Mediterranean, Low-Carb
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
