Greek-Style Healthy Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
These juicy chicken meatballs are infused with classic Greek herbs, garlic, lemon, and feta cheese. They’re oven-baked or air-fried for a healthier twist and served with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill.
⏱ Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) ground chicken (lean)
1/3 cup red onion, finely grated or minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cumin
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or panko)
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Olive oil spray (for baking or air frying)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
1/2 cup cucumber, finely grated and drained
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the Tzatziki:
1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a kitchen towel.
2. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
2. Prepare the Chicken Meatballs:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), or preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients: ground chicken, onion, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, feta, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Form into 1-inch meatballs (about 20 meatballs).
5. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Oven: Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and internal temp is 165°F (74°C).
Air Fryer: Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and cooked through.
4. Serve:
Serve warm meatballs with chilled tzatziki. Garnish with extra dill, lemon wedges, or fresh parsley.
Notes & Tips:
Make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Want more zest? Add a pinch of chili flakes to the meatballs for a slight kick.
Meal prep tip: Store meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. They also freeze well!
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ:
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Yes! Lean ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe.
Q: Can I pan-fry the meatballs?
A: Yes—use a non-stick skillet with olive oil and cook over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free yogurt and omit the feta cheese. Add nutritional yeast or sun-dried tomatoes for umami.
Nutrition information
Calories: 280
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 7g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g