Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

If you love Mediterranean flavors and crave a light, protein-packed meal that bursts with fresh herbs and zingy spices, you’re going to adore Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs. Juicy ground chicken is mixed with a medley of parsley, dill, and mint—then thrown together with savory aromatics for the ultimate easy dinner! Whether you’re planning a weeknight family meal, packing a picnic, or just searching for a twist on traditional meatballs, Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are every bit as delightful and flexible as they sound.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs lies in its simplicity: each ingredient truly matters, lending its own special color, flavor, or tenderness. Whole, fresh ingredients come together fast and turn out something that tastes so much greater than the sum of its parts!

• Ground chicken: Lean and mild, this is a perfect canvas for soaking up all those gorgeous herbs and spices.
• Grated red onion: Adds moisture, gentle sweetness, and a little color without overpowering.
• Garlic (minced): A staple of Greek cooking, just two cloves bring bold, fragrant depth.
• Chopped fresh parsley: A big pop of green freshness that keeps things vibrant and bright.
• Chopped fresh dill: Earthy, grassy, and classic in so many Greek dishes—absolutely non-negotiable here.
• Chopped fresh mint: An unexpected twist! It lifts the whole dish with a cool, aromatic zing.
• Dried oregano: Simple, powerful, and a signature seasoning in Greek meatballs.
• Salt: Pulls all the flavors together perfectly and brings out the juiciness of the chicken.
• Black pepper: A gentle bite to balance the fresh herbs.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little Greek-style heat—completely up to you!
• Breadcrumbs: Gives structure, holds in moisture, and ensures your meatballs stay tender.
• Large egg: The binding magic so everything holds together just right.
• Olive oil (for cooking): Adds flavor and locks in that perfect golden-brown crust as the meatballs cook.

How to Make Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Set yourself up for success—have your ground chicken, fresh herbs, aromatics, and seasonings measured and ready to go. Grate your red onion and chop your parsley, dill, and mint finely so that they meld right into the meatball mixture without big leafy bits.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, all the chopped herbs, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if you’d like some heat), breadcrumbs, and the egg. Use clean hands or a fork to gently mix everything together until just combined—take care not to overmix, as this keeps your Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs tender and juicy!

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

With damp hands to prevent sticking, scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll into 1½-inch balls. You should get around 20 beautifully even meatballs when you’re done. Lay them on a plate, ready for their sizzling skillet debut.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

Pour that golden olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown them on all sides, turning gently—about 8 to 10 minutes should get them perfectly cooked through and beautifully browned, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and let them rest briefly before serving.

Step 5: Alternate Cooking Methods

If you prefer, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 18–20 minutes or use your air fryer at 375°F for 12–14 minutes. Both methods yield wonderful results, and these herby treasures stay juicy either way!

How to Serve Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

Accent your Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs with a flurry of extra fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and perhaps a dollop of tzatziki. A quick sprinkle of crumbled feta or a shower of pomegranate seeds takes things from homemade to restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

Think Mediterranean! Serve these meatballs atop fluffy rice or couscous, tuck them into warm pita with crisp tomatoes and cucumber, or pair them with a bright Greek salad and a side of roasted veggies. They play nicely with just about anything savory and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading them onto skewers for a party platter, or set up a “build your own Greek wrap” station with pita bread and lots of toppings. For meal prep, pack them in bento boxes with olives, hummus, and sliced bell peppers. Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are the hero of lunchboxes and picnics alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, slide any extra meatballs into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. These keep beautifully for up to 4 days and taste just as good cold, at room temp, or warmed back up for a quick lunch or snack.

Freezing

Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are ideal for freezing! Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay tender and tasty in the freezer for up to 3 months, ready for fast meals later.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. You can also microwave them in short bursts, cover with a damp paper towel, or pop them in a low oven until warmed through. Serve right away with new garnishes for a fresh feel.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey for ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works nearly identically in this recipe, keeping things lean and juicy. Just look for ground turkey that’s not too low in fat, and your Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs (now technically turkey) will still taste fantastic.

What breadcrumbs work best?

Standard dried breadcrumbs work perfectly, but panko can make the meatballs even lighter. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also a great option for anyone avoiding gluten—no flavor lost!

Are these Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs suitable for meal prep?

They’re a meal prep superstar! Make a batch ahead and store in the refrigerator or freezer. These meatballs keep their flavor and texture perfectly and are a snap to reheat for busy weeknights or workday lunches.

Is there a dairy-free option for serving?

Yes, simply skip any cheese garnish and opt for a dairy-free yogurt in your tzatziki sauce for a completely dairy-free meal. The Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs themselves contain no dairy, so they’re incredibly versatile.

Can I bake instead of fry the meatballs?

Certainly! You can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 18–20 minutes on a lined baking sheet, or use an air fryer for a little extra crispness. Both oven and air fryer methods make cleanup easy and keep the meatballs light.

Final Thoughts

Bringing big, sunny Greek flavor to your table could not be easier—or more delicious—with Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs. Try them once, and they just might become your most-requested family favorite. I hope you find them as fun to make (and eat!) as I do. Let your tastebuds travel to the Mediterranean tonight!

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