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Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 14 reviews
  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (pan fry) to 20 minutes (baking)
  • Total Time: 45 to 75 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 18 meatballs
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Greek Chicken Meatball recipe offers a flavorful twist on classic meatballs, infused with fresh herbs like mint and oregano, and seasoned with cumin and garlic. Perfectly cooked by pan frying, baking, or air frying, these meatballs are juicy, tender, and ideal for a healthy family meal or entertaining guests. They can be paired with tzatziki sauce, salads, or pita bread for a delicious Mediterranean experience.


Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup panko or breadcrumbs (can use gluten free)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (can substitute fresh dill or fresh parsley)
  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey, ground beef, ground pork, or a combination)
  • Olive oil (for cooking)


Instructions

  1. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the egg and bread crumbs. Add cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, diced red onion, chopped fresh mint, and minced garlic. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Gently fold in the ground chicken, being careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs. Refrigerate the mixture for 30-60 minutes to make shaping easier.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the meat mixture into 2-tablespoon servings. Roll each portion into a ball with lightly moistened hands using water or olive oil if the mixture feels sticky. You should get about 18 meatballs.
  3. Cook the Meatballs - Pan Fry Method: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Cook the Meatballs - Baking Method: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the meatballs on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. For extra browning, broil for a few minutes at the end of baking.
  5. Cook the Meatballs - Air Fry Method: Brush the meatballs with olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

  • Refrigerating the mixture before shaping helps the meatballs hold together better while cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.
  • You can substitute different ground meats such as turkey, beef, or pork depending on preference.
  • These meatballs pair well with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a Greek salad.
  • If using gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensure all other ingredients comply with your dietary needs.