Greek Chicken Meatballs + Homemade Tzatziki
The moment you take your first bite of these Greek Chicken Meatballs paired with the creamy, refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, you’ll understand why this dish holds a special place in my heart. The juicy meatballs, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, come together beautifully with the cool, tangy kick of tzatziki. It’s a flavor experience that transports you straight to a sun-drenched Greek island, even if you’re just in your kitchen!
The Allure of Greek Chicken Meatballs and Tzatziki
What makes this dish so delightful? Let me share a few reasons why you’ll want to add Greek Chicken Meatballs and homemade tzatziki to your recipe repertoire:
- Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: The combination of ground chicken, aromatic herbs, and spices creates a symphony of flavors, while the tzatziki adds a cool, refreshing contrast.
- Simple Yet Impressive: This dish is deceptively easy to prepare, making it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.
- Customizable for Any Palate: It’s easy to adjust the spices and ingredients to cater to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is nutritious without sacrificing the enjoyment of a hearty meal.
- A Great Make-Ahead Option: These meatballs can be made in advance, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Ready to dive into the kitchen? Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering meatballs and that creamy tzatziki:
- 1 pound ground chicken: Lean and flavorful, it’s the perfect base for your meatballs.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- 1/2 cup almond flour: Great for keeping the meatballs light and gluten-free.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This herb brings a bright, Mediterranean flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a warm note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill: Adds an aromatic touch that’s quite refreshing.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: For a subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic is always a good idea!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a gentle heat.
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, packed and chopped: This adds a lovely freshness that you can’t resist.
- 1/3 cup Greek vinaigrette: A little drizzle for flavor enhancement post-cooking.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Optional, but why not add that creamy tang?
- Cooked rice of your choice or lemon orzo pasta: Serving options to enjoy your meatballs.
- Pita bread: Perfect for scooping up those meatballs with tzatziki.
- Quick pickled onions: These are a delightful, tangy addition on top.
- For Tzatziki:
- 1 cup mayonnaise: For creaminess.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: A zesty kick to brighten the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives it a potent punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill & 1 teaspoon fresh mint: For that authentic tzatziki flavor.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Feeling inspired? Let’s transform those ingredients into something truly special with these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven: Set to 400°F (200°C), ensuring that your meatballs come out perfectly cooked and slightly golden.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, almond flour, salt, oregano, basil, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh mint. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense meatballs!
- Shape the meatballs: Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 15-20 meatballs, depending on your size preference.
- Bake: Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Prepare the tzatziki: While the meatballs are baking, whip up your tzatziki by mixing mayonnaise, diced cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dill, and fresh mint in a bowl. Taste it and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Drizzle vinaigrette: Once your meatballs come out of the oven, drizzle with the Greek vinaigrette and sprinkle with crumbled feta, if using.
- Serve and enjoy: Present your meatballs alongside the tzatziki, pita bread, or grain of your choice, and top with quick pickled onions.
Tips for Cooking Up a Storm
To elevate your Greek Chicken Meatballs and tzatziki even further, consider these helpful hints:
- Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the meatball ingredients. Overmixing can yield tough meatballs.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are lovely, fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor that you can’t replicate.
- Experiment with Additions: Feel free to sneak in finely chopped vegetables like spinach or grated zucchini for added nutrition and moisture.
- Sear for Extra Flavor: If you want a caramelized crust, consider searing the meatballs in a hot skillet for a few minutes before baking.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste your tzatziki and adjust the garlic or lemon to your liking; fresh ingredients can vary in strength!
Get Creative with Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to switch things up and personalize your dish:
- Swap the Protein: If ground chicken isn’t your thing, try ground turkey or even beef for a different flavor profile.
- Add Heat: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Use Greek Yogurt: For a lighter tzatziki, swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt—just balance it with a bit of olive oil for creaminess.
- Zest It Up: Incorporate citrus zest (like lemon or orange) into the meatball mixture for an extra zesty layer of flavor.
- Herb Variations: Use your favorite herbs such as parsley or cilantro to put a new twist on the dish.
Presenting Your Greek Feast
Now that you’ve made this delicious dish, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are a few serving suggestions to make your meal feel extra special:
- Plated Perfection: Place a generous scoop of your Greek Chicken Meatballs in the center of a colorful platter and surround them with tzatziki, crudités, and warm pita.
- Rice Bowls: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice or lemon orzo, drizzling tzatziki on top, and garnish with fresh herbs for pops of color.
- Mediterranean Wraps: Create a wrap with meatballs, tzatziki, and fresh veggies tucked into pita for an easy, on-the-go meal.
- Party Platter: Make a grazing table with meatballs, tzatziki, olives, roasted veggies, and feta for a fun appetizer spread.
Keeping Your Leftovers Fresh
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a blessing!), here’s how to store them right:
- Refrigeration: Store cooked meatballs and tzatziki in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once firm. They can last up to 3 months! Just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: For leftovers, gently reheat meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—microwaving can dry them out.
Your Top Questions Answered
Got questions about this delicious dish? Let’s tackle some common queries:
- Can I use another type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, lamb, or even plant-based alternatives work beautifully.
- How do I make tzatziki vegan? Swap the mayonnaise for vegan mayo or dairy-free yogurt, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version.
- What sides pair well with this dish? Serve with a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple grain like quinoa or couscous to round out the meal.
- What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Dried herbs are a great substitute, but use them in smaller amounts since they’re more concentrated.
Embrace the vibrant flavors and hearty textures of Greek Chicken Meatballs with homemade tzatziki—it’s a dish that’s not just a meal, but an experience. Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying a quiet dinner, this recipe is sure to bring a taste of Greece to your table. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on making memories one delicious bite at a time!

Greek Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, almond flour, salt, oregano, basil, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh mint. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs are baking, mix the tzatziki ingredients: mayonnaise, diced cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dill, and fresh mint. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Once cooked, drizzle the meatballs with Greek vinaigrette and sprinkle with crumbled feta if desired.
- Serve the meatballs alongside tzatziki, pita bread, or your grain of choice, topped with quick pickled onions.
