Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
I just made these Mediterranean chicken meatballs, and they are an absolute game-changer! The kitchen smells incredible with all the fresh herbs and spices. They turned out so tender and juicy, bringing a taste of the sunny Mediterranean right to my dinner table.
They’re surprisingly easy to make, too. If you enjoy this, you should also explore our guide to making a delicious Chopped Cheese Sandwich Recipe for another creative dinner idea.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Having made this recipe a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks that take these meatballs from great to absolutely fantastic.
- I always use freshly grated Parmesan. The flavor is so much richer and it melts better than the pre-shredded kind.
- Let the mixed meat rest in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before rolling. I find this helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- For an extra flavor boost, I sometimes add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the mixture. It really brightens up the taste.
- Don’t press the meat too tightly when forming the balls. A lighter touch results in a more tender and juicy meatball.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak it to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Ground Meat: Swap the chicken for ground turkey or even ground lamb for a more traditional Mediterranean flavor.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to add other fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for a different aromatic profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a little bit of heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Simply omit the Parmesan cheese to make this recipe dairy-free. The meatballs will still be delicious.
These variations make it a versatile choice for your collection of favorite dinner recipes.
Equipment You Need
You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this recipe. Here is the basic equipment that will get the job done.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all your meatball ingredients.
- Large Skillet: To pan-fry the meatballs to a perfect golden brown.
- Tongs or a Spatula: For easily turning the meatballs as they cook.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: To ensure you have the right amount of each ingredient.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
These meatballs are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few of my favorite ways to present them for a stunning and delicious meal.
- Serve them over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Stuff them into warm pita bread with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
- Create a Mediterranean bowl with rice, hummus, cucumber salad, and feta cheese.
- Present them as an appetizer on a platter with various dipping sauces. For dessert, an Churro Saltine Toffee Recipe would be a perfect complement.
Calories Count
Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving.
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
How to Store Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
These meatballs are great for meal prep! Proper storage will keep them fresh and delicious for later.
- Refrigerating: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated meatballs in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For frozen meatballs, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to add these Mediterranean chicken meatballs to your regular meal rotation. Here are just a few:
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs, spices, and garlic creates an incredibly flavorful meatball.
- Healthy and Lean: Made with ground chicken, this recipe is a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs.
- Versatile for Serving: You can serve them as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or as the main course with various sides.
- Great for Meal Prep: They store and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for planning meals ahead of time.
Generic Details About the Recipe
To make your cooking experience as smooth as possible, keep a few things in mind. Using lean ground chicken is a great choice for a healthier meal, but using ground chicken with a slightly higher fat content (like from thigh meat) will yield an even juicier meatball.
Don’t skip the step of wetting your hands before rolling the meatballs; it’s truly the secret to preventing a sticky mess and achieving perfectly round shapes. Finally, feel free to adjust the herbs based on what you have on hand. This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, chopped parsley, dill, dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix everything together with your hands or a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Lightly wet your hands with cold water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Scoop out portions of the chicken mixture and gently roll them between your palms to form meatballs that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. Try to make them all a uniform size to ensure they cook evenly. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or baking sheet.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in two batches. Let them cook for several minutes on each side, allowing them to develop a rich, golden-brown crust.
- Continue to turn the meatballs periodically so they brown on all sides. The total cooking time will be around 15-20 minutes. To confirm they are done, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter. For a final touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with some extra chopped parsley or dill before serving. They are now ready to be enjoyed with your favorite side dishes.