The best juicy Greek chicken meatballs served over a light and fresh Greek salad dressed in tzatziki sauce. Cook them in the oven, stovetop, or air fryer for quick, healthy, gluten-free, and under 30-minute weeknight dinner or lunch.
Juicy Greek chicken meatballs
We love Greek and Mediterranean food over here at Healthful Blondie. It could be our favorite cuisine! Feta cheese, kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and fresh veggies are the best.
That is why I am so excited about this healthy Greek chicken meatballs recipe. They are super juicy, packed with flavor, and can be cooked in the air fryer, in the oven, or on the stovetop in a pan.
I served mine over a super simple Greek salad that you’ll throw together in less than 5 minutes. I used romaine hearts, tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and olives. Plus, we dress it in a homemade, healthy tzatziki sauce!
I baked these gluten free chicken meatballs in the oven, but they are also terrific pan-fried or even air-fried. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Honestly, everyone needs to try these healthy and insanely flavorful, juicy chicken meatballs. You will not be disappointed.
Is tzatziki healthy?
Yes! This homemade tzatziki sauce is most certainly healthy and good for you! I believe that the term “healthy” is all relative, and this creamy Greek sauce definitely falls into that category.
Not only is this homemade tzatziki made with simple and real ingredients, but it is also packed with protein and probiotics from the Greek yogurt. By using tzatziki as the dressing for this Greek salad recipe, you are going to feel full, nourished, and satisfied.
The ingredients
This healthy dinner recipe has three easy parts: the juicy Greek chicken meatballs, the creamy tzatziki sauce, and the fresh Greek salad. Here is a list of ingredients, so you are prepared. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card to get exact measurements!
Greek chicken meatballs:
- Ground Chicken: First up, grab one pound of ground chicken. I like 93% lean.
- Egg: You will also need an egg to help bind the meatballs together and ensure they are extra juicy.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Then, we’ll need panko breadcrumbs for texture. To make these gluten free chicken meatballs, make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Red Onion: This adds a sharp and delicious flavor to these Greek chicken meatballs. You’ll need 1/3 cup.
- Garlic Cloves: Garlic makes everything taste better!
- Fresh Parsley: I love adding fresh herbs to my meatball recipes. We use parsley here.
- Dried Oregano: For extra flavor, add 1.5 teaspoons of dried oregano.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.
Homemade tzatziki dressing:
- Plain Greek Yogurt: This is the base of the homemade creamy tzatziki. You can use 0%, 2%, or 5% plain Greek yogurt. Do not use flavored yogurt.
- Cucumber: Cucumber is classic in tzatziki sauces. We’ll add 1/2 cup of freshly shredded or grated cucumber. It adds the best texture.
- Lemon: We add the juice from a lemon for a little tang and flavro.
- Garlic Clove: Then, two garlic cloves for flavor.
- Fresh Dill: Another key fresh herb for this tzatziki dressing.
- Fresh Parsley: Plus some more parsley.
Greek Salad:
- Romaine Lettuce Hearts: We are serving these gluten free chicken meatballs over a simple Greek salad. Grab 3 hearts of romaine.
- Cherry Tomatoes: I love adding sweet cherry tomatoes to my salads.
- Cucumber: Cucumber also adds a great crunch. You need 1 medium English cucumber.
- Kalamata Olives: Plus, 1 cup of kalamata olives for flavor.
- Red Onion: This adds a little crunch and sharp flavor to this salad.
- Feta Cheese: Finally, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese to finish off this salad. You need 1/3 cup.
Kitchen tools needed
This Greek salad recipe with chicken meatballs and homemade tzatziki sauce is made using 5 tools and items. You are going to love how easy clean-up is going to be! Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need for this healthy dinner recipe:
- Mixing Bowl
- Sheet Pan
- Scooper
- Box Grater
- Measuring Tools: 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, 1/3 cup.
How to make Greek chicken meatballs
Greek chicken meatballs are very easy to make. We’ll start by preparing the meatball mixture, followed by baking them. You can even cook them on the stovetop or in the air fryer if you want! Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make gluten free Greek chicken meatballs:
Step 1:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Then, in a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic cloves, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands to combine fully.
Step 3:
Next, using a scooper or your hands, create 18 – 20 meatballs. Evenly space them across the lined baking sheet.
Step 4:
Then, bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
If you are pan-frying: Simply heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and chicken meatballs. Sear on all sides for about 3 minutes total, then reduce heat to medium and cook for additional 10 minutes, until fully cooked through.
If you are air-frying: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F, spray with non-stick spray and evenly place chicken meatballs across the basket. Air fry for 8 – 12 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
How to make homemade tzatziki
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect creamy and healthy tzatziki sauce:
Step 1:
First, use a box grater, grate your cucumber and then squeeze the water out with cheesecloth over the sink. Alternatively, you can squeeze the moisture out with your hands and pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 2:
Then, combine the Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon, garlic, dill, and parsley in a mixing bowl.
Step 3:
Finally, taste and add salt and pepper as desired. Then, place it in the fridge while the meatballs cook so the sauce can develop deeper flavors.
What to serve with healthy Greek chicken meatballs
My favorite way to serve these chicken meatballs is on top of a fresh Greek salad! I simply add chopped romaine lettuce as a base for each individual bowl. Then I arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and feta cheese in each bowl and add the cooked chicken meatballs. Finally, I like to drizzle each bowl with homemade tzatziki sauce as the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I air fry the chicken meatballs?
You can also cook these gluten free Greek chicken meatballs in an air fryer. Simply, pre-heat your air fryer to 350°F, spray with non-stick spray, and evenly place chicken meatballs across the basket. Air fry for 8 – 12 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature of the meatballs should be 165°F.
Are they gluten free?
Yes, these Greek chicken meatballs are gluten free. Just make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
The recipe yields four servings, so it is absolutely perfect for meal prepping. Just let the meatballs cool to room temperature, then add them to airtight tupperware with the undressed Greek salad. When you are reaching to enjoy, heat the meatballs separately in the microwave or enjoy cold. Just drizzle the dressing on top.
Can I freeze chicken meatballs?
You can freeze the chicken meatballs for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe storage bag. Reheat by heating on the stovetop, in the air frier, or microwave.
How to store and reheat:
Storage: Simply store leftover Greek chicken meatballs in one large airtight container or individual airtight containers in the fridge for 3 – 4 days. Store extra salad and dressing in separate containers to maximize freshness because no one likes a soggy salad.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat your chicken meatballs separately in the microwave or air fryer and then add them to your salad. Alternatively, you can enjoy these meatballs cold if you prefer.
If you loved this healthy dinner recipe, check these out next!
- Zucchini Turkey Meatballs (Keto)
- Greek Spinach Salad
- Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
- Italian Turkey Meatballs
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken, I like 93% lean
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup red onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup parsley, chopped
- 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Homemade Tzatziki:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 0%, 2%, or 5%
- ½ cup cucumber, finely grated
- 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Greek Salad:
- 3 hearts romaine, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup kalamata olives
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Make Greek Chicken Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic cloves, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and back pepper. Gently mix with your hands to fully combine.
- Using a scooper or your hands, create 18 – 20 meatballs. Evenly space them across the lined baking sheet.
- Oven: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Stovetop: Heat cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and chicken meatballs. Sear on all sides for about 3 minutes total, then reduce heat to medium and cook for additional 10 minutes, until fully cooked through.
- Air Fryer: Pre-heat air fryer to 350°F, spray with non-stick spray, and evenly place chicken meatballs across the basket. Air fry for 8 – 12 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
Make Tzatkiki
- Meanwhile, using a box grater, grate your cucumber and then squeeze the water out with a cheesecloth over the sink. Alternatively, you can squeeze the moisture out with your hands and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Then in a mixing bowl, combine all the tzatziki ingredients and place in the fridge.
Assemble Salad
- Add chopped romaine lettuce as a base for each individual bowl and arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta cheese. Add cooked chicken meatballs to each and drizzle with homemade tzatziki sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by Tati Chermayeff / Healthful Blondie + Photos by The Travel Palate
I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Ariella Hamilton says
This was great, quick to make and the second dinner recipe I have made from you and I love it!
Tati Chermayeff says
Thank you Arielle!!! These are the best 🙂
Nathalie says
Love this, especially the homemade sauce that tastes like it is from a restaurant. Thanks for this recipe. I will make again soon!
Tati Chermayeff says
Totally agree, Nathalie! Thank you so much for your kind review!
Morgan Mancini says
SO delicious and simple. Easy ingredients thrown together in under 30 minutes for a delicious dinner. I’m sold!
Tati Chermayeff says
Morgan, thank you so much!! These are the best !!
saskia Chermayeff says
Great lunch recipe! Super tasty and green!!
Ellie says
Made this for my entire fam and they loved it!!
Ariella hamilton says
I loved this meal because it was easy and quick! Yum!
Lisa W says
Made these for my weekly lunch salads. Can’t get enough… sometimes just used for a good snack in between meals. Don’t forget the Tzatziki!!! Awesomeness..