This recipe for Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these meatballs are versatile and easy to prepare. The addition of fresh herbs and creamy feta elevates them, making them a standout dish that everyone will love.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Meatballs
- For the Giant Couscous
- For the Salad
- For Garnish
- How to Make Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- Step 2: Form Meatballs
- Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
- Step 4: Prepare Giant Couscous
- Step 5: Season Couscous
- Step 6: Prepare Salad
- Step 7: Serve
- How to Serve Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
- With Giant Couscous
- In a Pita Wrap
- Over a Fresh Salad
- As an Appetizer
- With Yogurt Sauce
- On a Mediterranean Platter
- How to Perfect Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Best Side Dishes for Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Reheating Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs?
- Can I use other types of meat?
- How do I serve herby Greek chicken meatballs?
- Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: These herby Greek chicken meatballs come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of herbs, lemon, and feta ensures every bite is bursting with taste.
- Healthy Option: Made with lean chicken mince and lots of veggies, they offer a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them on their own, over giant couscous, or in pita wraps with fresh salad.
- Meal Prep Friendly: They can be made ahead of time and stored for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the following essential tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer or oven
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Grater
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Air Fryer: Cooks meatballs quickly while keeping them juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
- Baking Tray: Provides a stable surface for roasting meatballs evenly.
Ingredients
This recipe for herby Greek chicken meatballs is a perfect example of a quick, delicious, and nutritious weekday meal. Make it in advance for those busy nights and enjoy the leftovers for lunch.
For the Meatballs
- 500g chicken mince
- 100g feta, crumbled
- 1 large zucchini, grated
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- 20g fresh mixed herbs (dill, mint, parsley), chopped
- Large pinch of black pepper
- Olive oil for brushing or spritzing
For the Giant Couscous
- 1 cup giant couscous
- 1.5 cups water
- Big pinch of salt
- 5g (1 Tbsp) chopped dill
- 1 tsp olive oil
For the Salad
- Small handful of dill, chopped
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chicken mince, crumbled feta, grated zucchini, lemon zest, egg, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, chopped herbs (dill, mint, parsley), and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Form Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized meatballs. Brush or spritz the meatballs with olive oil to enhance flavor during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
You can cook the meatballs using one of these methods:
– In the Air Fryer: Preheat to 205°C. Place the meatballs close to the heating element and cook for 11 minutes until nicely caramelized.
– In the Oven: Preheat to 220°C. Place the meatballs on a baking tray in the top third of the oven (close to heating element) and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare Giant Couscous
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over high heat. Add giant couscous and lightly fry for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Pour in water and add a pinch of salt. Cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente.
Step 5: Season Couscous
Once cooked, drain any excess water from couscous. Stir in 1 tsp of olive oil and chopped dill; season with salt and pepper to taste. Cut zested lemon in half; squeeze roughly 20 ml juice into couscous stirring to combine.
Step 6: Prepare Salad
Place thinly sliced cucumber and red onion in a bowl. Squeeze over remaining lemon juice (about 20 ml) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 7: Serve
Divide giant couscous between four serving plates. Top each plate with a few meatballs along with a portion of cucumber salad. Drizzle plates with olive oil before serving immediately.
Enjoy your flavorful Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs!
How to Serve Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
Serving herby Greek chicken meatballs can be as creative as you want. These flavorful meatballs are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
With Giant Couscous
- Pair the meatballs with fluffy giant couscous for a hearty meal. The couscous absorbs the flavors of the dish beautifully.
In a Pita Wrap
- Stuff the meatballs into warm pita bread along with fresh veggies and a drizzle of tzatziki for a delicious, handheld meal.
Over a Fresh Salad
- Serve the meatballs on a bed of mixed greens, with cucumber and tomato for a refreshing salad that balances the richness of the meatballs.
As an Appetizer
- Skewer the meatballs on toothpicks and serve them as bite-sized appetizers at parties or gatherings, perfect for dipping into sauces.
With Yogurt Sauce
- Drizzle a yogurt sauce over the meatballs for added creaminess. A simple mix of yogurt, garlic, and dill works wonderfully.
On a Mediterranean Platter
- Create a vibrant Mediterranean platter by surrounding the meatballs with olives, feta, and roasted vegetables for an eye-catching presentation.
How to Perfect Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
To achieve the best herby Greek chicken meatballs, follow these simple tips that will ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, mint, and parsley enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried herbs.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Chill Before Cooking: Chilling the formed meatballs in the fridge for 30 minutes helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Check Internal Temperature: Ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption and optimal texture.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like paprika or cumin for an extra kick tailored to your taste preferences.
- Use Lean Mince: Opt for lean chicken mince to reduce excess fat while still keeping your meatballs juicy and flavorful.
Best Side Dishes for Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
Complement your herby Greek chicken meatballs with these delightful side dishes that add variety and flavor to your meal.
- Greek Salad: A classic combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta dressed in olive oil brings freshness that pairs well with the meatballs.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables add sweetness and depth. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant drizzled with olive oil.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This refreshing yogurt-based sauce made with cucumber and garlic is perfect for dipping or drizzling over your dish.
- Hummus: Smooth hummus serves as a creamy dip that pairs excellently when served alongside pita or fresh veggies.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf cooked with herbs adds another layer of flavor while being light enough not to overshadow the main dish.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus seasoned with lemon complements the herby flavors while adding a nice crunch to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making herby Greek chicken meatballs is a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can throw off the balance of flavors. Always measure your ingredients carefully for the best results.
- Skipping the herb chopping: Failing to chop your herbs finely can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Take the time to chop them well for a consistent taste in every bite.
- Overcrowding the cooking space: Packing the meatballs too closely together can prevent them from browning properly. Make sure to leave space between each meatball, whether using an air fryer or oven.
- Neglecting to preheat appliances: Not preheating your air fryer or oven can result in uneven cooking. Always ensure your appliance is at the correct temperature before placing in the meatballs.
- Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the meatballs right after cooking can cause juices to run out, making them dry. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving for a juicier texture.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover herby Greek chicken meatballs in an airtight container.
- They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure they are fully cooled before sealing to avoid condensation buildup.
Freezing Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Freeze cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
- Label containers with the date and contents for easy identification later.
Reheating Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Cover and heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs?
Herby Greek chicken meatballs are flavorful meatballs made from ground chicken mixed with fresh herbs, feta cheese, and spices. They offer a healthy twist on traditional meatballs.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or lean beef instead of chicken while preparing herby Greek chicken meatballs.
How do I serve herby Greek chicken meatballs?
These delicious meatballs pair well with giant couscous, salads, or even pasta. You can also serve them as appetizers with dips!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare herby Greek chicken meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to cook them.
Final Thoughts
Herby Greek chicken meatballs are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. This recipe allows for plenty of customization; feel free to add more spices or try different sides based on your preferences. Give this delightful dish a try, and enjoy it as part of your weekly meal rotation!
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Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are a delightful and nutritious dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your table. These tender meatballs are made with lean chicken mince, fresh herbs, and creamy feta, making them not only delicious but also a healthy option for busy weeknights. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up this versatile meal that can be served in various ways—over giant couscous, in pita wraps, or as a refreshing salad topping. Perfect for dinner parties or quick family meals, these meatballs are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken mince
- 100g crumbled feta cheese
- 1 large zucchini (grated)
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh mixed herbs (dill, mint, parsley)
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken mince, feta, grated zucchini, lemon zest and juice, egg, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, and chopped herbs. Mix until evenly combined.
- Roll the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized meatballs and brush with olive oil.
- Cook the meatballs in an air fryer at 205°C for 11 minutes or bake in an oven preheated to 220°C for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve the meatballs over giant couscous or in pita wraps with fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
