These Greek chicken meatballs with homemade tzatziki sauce are my favorite way to bring fresh Mediterranean flavors into my kitchen. Juicy, herbed chicken meatballs pair perfectly with the cool, creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce, making this a meal that’s light yet deeply satisfying. They’re easy to prepare, healthy, and versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, flavorful, and adaptable. The meatballs are tender and juicy, with the brightness of lemon zest, the earthiness of oregano and cumin, and the salty tang of feta cheese. The tzatziki adds a refreshing contrast, balancing out the savory flavors. It’s also naturally high in protein and can be made low-carb or gluten-free with a simple breadcrumb swap.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the meatballs:
1 lb lean ground chicken
1/4 cup whole wheat panko crumbs (or other bread crumbs)
1/4 cup grated white or yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 pinch each of salt and pepper
1 large egg
2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
For the tzatziki:
Greek yogurt
Cucumber, finely grated and drained
Fresh dill, chopped
Lemon juice
Garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil, spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
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In a large mixing bowl, I combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, oregano, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and feta. I mix everything together with clean hands until well combined.
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I form the mixture into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
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I bake the meatballs for 12–15 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
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While they bake, I prepare the tzatziki by whisking together Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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I serve the meatballs hot with a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20 meatballs (4 servings).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I use ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile. For a spicy version, I mix red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture. If I’m going for gluten-free, I swap in almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers. The meatballs last up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 350°F until hot. The tzatziki keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, I can form the meatballs a day ahead, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze cooked meatballs?
Absolutely. I freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag, then reheat straight from frozen.
Can I make these without feta?
Yes, I can omit the feta or replace it with goat cheese for a different flavor.
What should I serve with these meatballs?
I like pairing them with a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or warm pita bread.
Can I cook these meatballs in an air fryer?
Yes, I cook them at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Conclusion
I love how these Greek chicken meatballs with homemade tzatziki combine fresh, zesty flavors with tender, juicy texture. They’re healthy, easy to make, and always a hit at the table—whether I’m serving them for a weeknight meal or a Mediterranean-inspired gathering.
PrintGreek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
These Greek chicken meatballs with homemade tzatziki sauce are tender, juicy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. Served with a cool, creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce, they’re perfect for a light dinner, appetizer, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 20 meatballs (4 servings)
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1/4 cup whole wheat panko crumbs (or other bread crumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated white or yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
- Cucumber, finely grated and drained (for tzatziki)
- Fresh dill, chopped (for tzatziki)
- Lemon juice (for tzatziki)
- Garlic, minced (for tzatziki)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for tzatziki)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, oregano, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and feta. Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and arrange on baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, prepare tzatziki: Mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Serve meatballs hot with a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
Notes
- Swap ground chicken for turkey or lamb for a different flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Store meatballs and tzatziki separately; meatballs last 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer, tzatziki lasts 5 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs with tzatziki
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 105mg