Name: Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 500 grams Ground Chicken Mince; 1 Egg; ¼ cup Breadcrumbs; ½ cup Parsley; 3 Garlic Cloves (- Finely minced.); 1 tsp Onion Powder; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder; ½ tsp Paprika Powder; 1 tsp Dried Oregano; ½ tsp Salt; 200 grams Greek Yogurt; 1 tbsp Olive oil; 15 grams Dill Herb (- finely chopped. ); ¼ tsp Salt; 1 Cucumber (- grated.); ½ tsp Vinegar (- optional, swap with lemon juice.)

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Today, we are making chicken meatballs. This tender, flavor-packed dish is satisfying and delicious. Meatballs are often made with beef or lamb; the chicken version of this dish has its own charm. Many people favor chicken meatballs over other protein sources because they are low in fat.

The chicken meatball has found its own unique expression in both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. In Italy, meatballs are served with marinara sauce in classic dishes such as Spaghetti & Meatballs. If you want a more protein-focused dish, you can leave out the carbs and serve the meatballs over a rich, flavorful tomato sauce.

In Greece, meatballs are called “keftedes” and are often served with a cooling side of Tzatziki. This recipe is the Greek version of meatballs. Tzatziki sauce is made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. This side dish complements the meatballs’ flavors beautifully. The fresh herbs, such as dill or mint, add a vibrant taste to the dish, along with the creamy consistency of the Tzatziki; the combination of flavors creates a satisfying eating experience.

Ingredients

Chicken mince, Oregano, Salt, Breadcrumbs, Parsley, Garlic, Onion powder, Garlic powder, Black Pepper, Paprika Powder, Egg.

Look for chicken mince that is fresh and bright pink. Good quality chicken mince should be finely ground and still have a moist texture. Always keep the chicken mince in the fridge until use. Dried oregano adds a slightly herbaceous taste to the meatballs. Breadcrumbs, along with an egg, hold the meatball together. Garlic powder, black pepper powder, onion powder, and paprika powder enhance the flavor. Fresh garlic amplifies the garlic taste of the meatball.

Instructions

Wash a cucumber, and grate it on a box grater. Choose the largest part of the kitchen utensil. Place the grated cucumber in a cheese cloth and squeeze tightly to remove excess juice. Finely chop the dill herb. Once done, place the cucumber in a bowl, add the Greek yogurt, vinegar, dill, olive oil, and salt. Mix well. Place the Tzatziki in the fridge.

Prepare a clean, large bowl to make the meatballs. Finely chop the parsley and garlic. Add the ground chicken meat to the bowl. Add the spices, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, and parsley to the dish. Mix until well-combined. Form each meatball into a round, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter; thereafter, set aside on a plate.

Add cooking oil to a pan, and fry the meatballs on medium-high heat. Each meatball should take 1 to 2 minutes per side.

If you are making a large batch, place any remaining meatballs in the fridge until ready for use. Once cooked, enjoy your meatballs immediately, along with the tzatziki. Add a generous amount of lemon or lime juice on the meatballs, the flavours complement one another.

Chicken meatballs are a fun addition to your cooking rotation. They are perfect for a quick weekend meal and can also serve as a protein source in your meal-prep lunch boxes. With its versatility, you can pair it with Tzatziki sauce and pita bread on Monday; with barbecue sauce and rice on Tuesday; with Marinara sauce and grated parmesan cheese on Wednesday.

On Thursday, you can add it to fresh rolls along with your favorite cheese and gherkins. Lastly, on Friday, you can caramelize an onion until it’s sweet, add the meatballs with some tomato paste, butter, and hot sauce, smash them up, add them to your favorite frozen pizza base, top with cheese and jalapeño chilies, and you have a fantastic, easy meal. Chicken meatballs are convenient and sure to become a favorite in your home.

Expert Tips

Did you know that you can bake meatballs? Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After you have rolled up the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown on the outside. The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can move the meatballs around to ensure even cooking.

How to Serve Chicken Meatballs?

Serve chicken meatballs with Tzatziki sauce in a pita bread or fresh rolls. A highly flavourful combination is to serve the meatballs on top of marinara sauce with a generous amount of Grated Parmesan cheese or Grana Padano. You can also use this meatball recipe for Spaghetti & Meatballs. If you are looking for sweet and tangy notes, you can enjoy the meatballs coated in barbecue sauce with white rice and a side of veggies. Meatballs pair well in a comforting soup.

How to Store Chicken Meatballs?

If you are making a large batch, chicken meatballs can be rolled into a circle and frozen for up to 3 months. Thereafter, remove from the freezer and fry it immediately on medium-low heat. If using a frying pan, use one with a lid to prevent oil spillage. Alternatively, use a foil on top of the fry pan.