Enjoy these juicy Greek chicken meatballs served on a light Greek salad with yogurt-based tzatziki dressing. Quickly cook the meatballs in the oven, stovetop, or air fryer for a healthy, gluten-free meal in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or lunches!
If cooking in the oven: preheat the 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 black 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 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 an additional 10 minutes, until fully cooked through.
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°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 the Tzatziki:
Grate the cucumber using a box grater and squeeze out excess water using a cheesecloth or by hand. Alternatively, pat dry with a paper towel.
In a mixing bowl, combine all the tzatziki ingredients and place in the fridge while you prepare the salad.
Assemble the Salad:
Add chopped romaine lettuce as a base for each individual bowl.
Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
Add cooked chicken meatballs to each bowl and drizzle with homemade tzatziki sauce.
Enjoy!
Notes
Storing: Place chicken meatballs in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag separate from the salad and dressing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.Reheating: Reheating: For optimal results, reheat chicken meatballs separately in the microwave or air fryer before adding them to your salad. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until heated through, or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.Use 93% Lean Chicken: I highly recommend this because the chicken meatballs will be juicier.Roll the Meatballs with Wet Hands: Trust me, it may sound strange at first, but I make meatballs weekly, and I’ve discovered this game-changing tip. Before rolling the meatballs, lightly wetting your hands prevents the mixture from sticking. It’s a simple trick that ensures smoother rolling and perfectly shaped meatballs every time.Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Chicken can be bland on its own, so make sure to season the meatball mixture well with salt, pepper, and herbs. Taste the mixture before forming the meatballs to ensure it’s well-seasoned.Customize the Salad: Feel free to customize the salad ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in season. For extra color and nutrition, add additional vegetables like bell peppers or avocado.Red Onion: For a milder flavor, substitute red onion with finely chopped green onions (scallions), yellow onion, or white onion.Lettuce Variety: Use any lettuce variety, like mixed greens or spinach, as a salad base.Lemon Juice: If needed, you can substitute the fresh lemon juice with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.As an Appetizer: Whether it’s for a party or a family dinner, these Greek chicken meatballs make a delightful appetizer when served with hummus or tzatziki dipping sauce.As a Main Course: Not a fan of salads? No problem! These juicy Greek chicken meatballs are perfect as a main dish alongside rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, or a simple side salad.Gyro Wrap: Create a tasty gyro wrap by filling warm pita bread with meatballs, lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki sauce. So delicious!