Description
Delicious Greek chicken meatballs with homemade tzatziki: Tender meatballs served with a creamy, tangy yogurt cucumber sauce – a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken: This lean protein forms the base of our meatballs, providing a hearty texture while keeping the dish light.
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs: Acting as a binder, these breadcrumbs help retain moisture and give the meatballs a satisfying bite.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan: This adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the spices in the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Fresh parsley not only contributes to the taste but also adds a burst of color to the dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion: Sweet and slightly sharp, red onion enhances the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.
- 2 cloves minced garlic: Known for its aromatic flavor, garlic is essential for delivering a punch of taste.
- 1 large egg: This binds the ingredients together, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine, oregano brings warmth and earthiness to the dish.
- 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor and balance the dish.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Providing a subtle warmth, cumin adds depth to the meatballs.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for drizzling before baking, it helps achieve that golden brown crust.
For the tzatziki sauce, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: Thick and creamy, Greek yogurt is the base for our tzatziki, providing a tangy flavor.
- 1/2 grated cucumber: Cucumber adds freshness and contributes to the cool, refreshing quality of the sauce.
- 2 cloves minced garlic: Like in the meatballs, garlic enhances the flavor of the tzatziki.
- 1 tbsp chopped dill (or 1 tsp dried): This herb gives tzatziki its signature taste, capturing the essence of Greek flavors.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightening the sauce, lemon juice adds a zesty kick that enhances the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These final seasonings help balance the flavors in the tzatziki.
Instructions
- Prepare the Tzatziki: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated cucumber, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp chopped dill, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 lb ground chicken, 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 large egg, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin.
- Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil to help them crisp up as they cook. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with the tzatziki sauce on the side. These meatballs are perfect on their own, served in pita bread, or even crumbled atop a fresh salad!