If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and comes together effortlessly, then you absolutely must try this Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe. These meatballs are tender and juicy, packed with the bright, savory tastes of sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese, then kissed with classic Mediterranean herbs that make every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, freshness, and a touch of the Mediterranean sunshine right to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this dish. Each component in the Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe plays a special role—from creating the perfect texture to layering in delicious flavors that make these meatballs truly memorable.
- 1 lb ground chicken: Lean and protein-packed base for the meatballs that keeps them light and juicy.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture while keeping the meatballs wonderfully airy and tender.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together with ease.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty texture that defines the Mediterranean flair.
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion: Provides a mild sweetness and soft crunch for balance.
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Brings a rich, tangy burst that elevates every bite.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Infuses moisture and a silky richness, almost like a little Mediterranean sunshine.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that lifts the aroma and flavor.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ½ tsp dried dill: Offers a fresh, herbal note that’s unexpectedly delightful in meatballs.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential to enhance all the vibrant flavors.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Just enough warmth to give these meatballs a gentle kick.
- Fresh mint or parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to the dish.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature so your meatballs cook evenly and develop a lovely golden crust. While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup quick and easy — this little prep step makes all the difference.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and the egg. These create the base and structure of the meatballs. Next, fold in the feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, and sun-dried tomatoes, which add moisture, bursts of flavor, and a delightful texture contrast. Add olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, dill, salt, and black pepper, then mix everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed with no clumps.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Take a portion of the mixture and roll it into small, golf ball-sized meatballs. Make sure they’re compact but not packed too tightly to keep them tender. Place each meatball evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet — giving them room helps them cook thoroughly and brown beautifully on all sides.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the meatballs develop a golden brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The aroma at this point will be irresistible, filling your kitchen with the warm, herby fragrance of Mediterranean herbs and feta.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish the meatballs with fresh mint or parsley to add a vibrant green pop and a refreshing finish that balances the richness perfectly. These meatballs are ready to enjoy or pair with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like mint or parsley not only brighten up the presentation but also add a clean, aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness of the meatballs. A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of tzatziki sauce also pairs beautifully if you want to add an extra zing or creaminess to your plate.
Side Dishes
There’s a world of delicious sides that complement the Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Think warm pita bread for scooping, a light Greek salad bursting with cucumbers and tomatoes, or fluffy rice seasoned with lemon and herbs. Roasted vegetables or a fun grain like quinoa also work wonderfully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these meatballs on skewers for a party appetizer style or nestled in pita pockets with fresh veggies and a tangy yogurt sauce for a satisfying handheld meal. You can even create a Mediterranean-inspired meatball bowl by layering greens, grains, and meatballs with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs for a colorful, hearty lunch or dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This lets you enjoy the rich flavors again without losing any of the juicy texture or vibrant seasoning.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for busy days, these meatballs freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. This way, you have a delicious homemade meal ready to reheat whenever you need.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your meatballs gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven method helps maintain their delicious texture and flavor better.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you want a slightly different flavor or simply what’s on hand. Just keep the cooking time similar and check that the meatballs are cooked through.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Traditional panko breadcrumbs contain gluten, but you can easily swap them with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make these meatballs vegan or vegetarian?
While the original recipe uses ground chicken and feta cheese, you can experiment with plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegan feta. Just keep an eye on binding agents and moisture to get the perfect texture.
What’s the best way to serve leftover meatballs?
Leftover Mediterranean chicken meatballs work great cold in salads, reheated in pita wraps, or tossed with pasta or grain bowls for a quick lunch or dinner boost.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary can be fun additions to experiment with, while a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes adds a unique twist of warmth and depth.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe is such a fantastic, flavorful option that’s easy enough for any day but impressive enough to share with friends and family. With every bite, you get layers of savory, bright, and fresh tastes paired with a comfortingly tender texture. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a new favorite to cherish again and again.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy dish featuring lean ground chicken mixed with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Baked to perfection, they offer a tender texture with a tangy, savory flavor profile, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner paired with pita, rice, or a fresh Greek salad.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh mint or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, golf ball-sized meatballs using your hands. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped mint or parsley. Serve warm with pita bread, rice, or a crisp Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- For best results, use lean ground chicken to keep the meatballs moist yet healthy.
- Panko breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs light and avoid a dense texture.
- You can substitute fresh herbs like oregano or dill if available for a brighter flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Ensure meatballs are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
