The Best Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Succulent and bursting with flavor, these Mediterranean chicken meatballs capture the essence of sunny coastal cuisine.

Herbs and spices dance together, creating a mouthwatering blend that transports you straight to the Mediterranean coastline.

Each tender morsel packs a punch of aromatic goodness that will make your taste buds sing.

The combination of ground chicken and carefully selected ingredients ensures a light yet satisfying meal that never feels heavy.

Effortless to prepare and incredibly delicious, these meatballs work perfectly as a main course or appetizer.

Serve them alongside a crisp salad or warm pita bread for a complete dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to make these again and again, turning a simple dinner into a culinary adventure.

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Unique Flavor

• Whip Up Quickly: Incredibly simple recipe with minimal prep work, allowing you to create a delicious meal in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Mediterranean-inspired ingredients guarantee a taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Healthier Protein Option: Packed with nutritious ingredients and baked instead of fried, these chicken meatballs offer a lighter alternative to traditional recipes without sacrificing incredible taste.
• Versatile Serving Style: Easily adaptable for multiple meal formats – serve over salad, with pasta, in pita bread, or as a standalone appetizer for different dining occasions.

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the primary component of the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra richness and moisture to the meatball mixture.

• Garlic, Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs and aromatics that provide classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help bind the meatballs together and maintain their shape during cooking.
• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Contribute moisture and bright, tangy flavor to the final dish.

Cooking Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spritz of nonstick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Fusion

Toss all your ingredients (except the zesty lemon juice) into a spacious mixing bowl.

Get your hands dirty or use a trusty spoon to blend everything into a harmonious mixture.

Don’t be afraid to get in there and mix until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 3: Shape Delicious Orbs

Grab your handy scoop and start crafting beautiful chicken meatballs.

Aim for bite-sized wonders about 2 inches in diameter.

Gently place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Let these flavor bombs cook for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for a beautiful light brown color and that perfectly cooked interior.

The kitchen will start smelling incredible!

Step 5: Add a Citrusy Finale

Once the meatballs are done, give them a bright finishing touch.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor that’ll make taste buds dance.

Serve hot and enjoy your Mediterranean masterpiece!

Tips for Juicy Chicken Meatballs

• Add minced garlic or fresh herbs like oregano and parsley to enhance the Mediterranean taste profile.
• Wet your hands with cold water when forming meatballs to prevent sticking and create smoother, more uniform shapes.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking to develop richer flavors.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for dietary needs.
• Avoid overmixing ingredients to keep meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming dense or tough.

Mediterranean Meatballs Mix-Ins and Styles

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly meatballs.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with plant-based ground meat or mashed chickpeas for a protein-packed alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or harissa paste to boost heat and traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use ground turkey instead of chicken and eliminate breadcrumbs, replacing with grated parmesan cheese for binding.

Serving Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Serve these Mediterranean chicken meatballs over warm herbed couscous or fluffy quinoa for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that bursts with zesty flavors.
• Dipping Delight: Pair with tzatziki sauce, hummus, or a quick Greek yogurt-based dip to enhance the meatballs' tangy and rich profile, creating an irresistible appetizer or main course.
• Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of lemon zest to add brightness, color, and an extra layer of authentic Mediterranean taste that elevates the entire dish.

Storing Mediterranean Meatballs Fresh

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Warm refrigerated meatballs in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth to keep them juicy.
• Before reheating, always inspect meatballs for any signs of spoilage like unusual odor, discoloration, or mold. Discard if any questionable changes are noticed.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute and provides a similar texture and flavor profile for the meatballs.

• Are these meatballs gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to maintain the binding and texture.

• What herbs work best in Mediterranean-style meatballs?

Oregano, parsley, mint, and dill are traditional Mediterranean herbs that enhance the authentic flavor of these meatballs.

• How can I tell if the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is safely cooked through.

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean chicken meatballs deliver a flavor explosion straight from Greece’s sun-drenched kitchens. Herb-infused chicken combines with zesty spices, creating a delightful meal that transports palates to coastal Mediterranean landscapes and invites culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken or turkey
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg

Cheese & Aromatics:

• 1/3 cup (50 grams) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) feta cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) chopped green onions
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped fresh parsley

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick spray to ensure easy meatball removal.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend all ingredients except lemon juice, using hands or a utensil to create a uniform mixture with balanced flavors and consistent texture.
3. Utilize a portioning scoop to craft uniform 2-inch meatballs, carefully arranging them on the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing to promote even cooking.
4. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach complete internal doneness.
5. As a final touch, enhance the meatballs’ brightness by drizzling fresh lemon juice over them just before serving, introducing a zesty Mediterranean accent to the dish.

Notes

• Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier protein option that keeps meatballs tender and juicy.
• Add extra herbs like fresh oregano or mint to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile and create more depth.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumb alternatives to maintain texture.
• Ensure meatballs are uniform in size by using a consistent measuring scoop for even cooking and professional presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg