Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki: A Mediterranean Favorite You’ll Crave Again and Again

There are few things more comforting than juicy, flavorful meatballs, and when they’re infused with Mediterranean spices and served alongside creamy tzatziki, they become an irresistible meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki are light yet satisfying, fragrant with herbs, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Unlike heavier beef or pork meatballs, these chicken meatballs are lean but still incredibly moist thanks to clever seasoning and binding techniques. Pair them with a tangy homemade tzatziki sauce, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe over and over again.

This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it as an appetizer at a party, as the protein for a healthy dinner bowl, or tuck them into pita bread with fresh veggies for a handheld meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or entertaining friends, these Greek chicken meatballs with tzatziki will win everyone over.

this Recipe

What Are Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki?

Greek Chicken Meatballs are bite-sized balls of ground chicken mixed with Mediterranean herbs like dill, parsley, and oregano, plus aromatics such as garlic and onion. The mixture is bound with breadcrumbs and an egg, then shaped into balls and cooked until golden brown on the outside and tender inside. They are served with tzatziki a refreshing Greek yogurt-based dip made with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Together, the two make a complete pairing: the warm, juicy meatballs are perfectly complemented by the cool, creamy sauce.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for so many reasons. It’s light yet deeply flavorful, making it a healthier alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs. It’s quick and easy to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s packed with protein, making it satisfying while still fitting into balanced diets like Mediterranean, high-protein, or even low-carb eating. It’s versatile—you can serve it in so many ways, from appetizers to bowls to wraps. It’s also meal-prep friendly, storing and reheating beautifully. And perhaps most importantly, it’s family-friendly and crowd-pleasing, loved by kids and adults alike.

How Do They Taste?

These chicken meatballs are juicy, tender, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. The ground chicken soaks up the seasoning, with garlic and herbs like dill and parsley adding freshness. A touch of lemon zest in the meatballs brightens everything up. The seared exterior gives a slightly crispy texture, while the inside stays moist. Paired with the tzatziki, you get a refreshing, creamy, and tangy contrast that balances the savory richness of the meatballs. Every bite is fresh, aromatic, and satisfying without feeling heavy.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki are a nutritious powerhouse. Chicken is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle growth and satiety. Greek yogurt in the tzatziki provides probiotics for gut health, calcium for bones, and additional protein. Cucumbers add hydration and vitamins, while garlic contributes antioxidants and immune-boosting compounds. Herbs like dill, parsley, and oregano not only add flavor but also bring phytonutrients and anti-inflammatory benefits. Olive oil offers healthy fats that support heart health. This dish exemplifies Mediterranean eating—fresh, wholesome, and balanced.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ small onion, finely grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Tzatziki:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Grater (for cucumber and onion)
• Garlic press or knife
• Baking sheet or skillet
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Whisk or spoon for tzatziki
• Serving platter

Optional Substitutions & Additions

Ground turkey can be used instead of chicken, with similar results. For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you want spicier meatballs, add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper. For dairy-free tzatziki, use a plant-based yogurt alternative. You can also add crumbled feta cheese to the meatball mixture for extra richness.

How to Make Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Roll mixture into 1 ½-inch balls and place on a baking sheet or plate.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes until cooked through, or pan-sear in batches until golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Meanwhile, make the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
6. Serve meatballs warm with tzatziki on the side.

What to Serve With Greek Chicken Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks and tzatziki for dipping. Make them the protein in a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and greens. Stuff them into pita bread with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and extra tzatziki for a handheld meal. Pair them with Greek lemon potatoes, couscous, or a big Greek salad for dinner. They also make a great protein for meal prep lunches.

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, as this can make them tough. Use freshly grated onion instead of chopped to keep the meatballs moist. Chill the mixture for 10 minutes before shaping if it feels too sticky. Use a cookie scoop for even-sized meatballs. If pan-searing, don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches for even browning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid using lean chicken breast only, as it can make the meatballs dry. Use a mix of breast and thigh meat for juiciness. Don’t skip squeezing the cucumber for tzatziki, or it will be watery. Don’t overbake or overcook the meatballs; they’ll dry out quickly. And don’t skip the lemon zest—it adds brightness that elevates the whole dish.

How to Store & Reheat

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Tzatziki can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat meatballs, warm them in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet until heated through avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I air fry the meatballs? Yes, cook them at 375°F for about 12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Can I prep these ahead of time? Yes, shape the meatballs and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I make them larger? Yes, just adjust the cooking time accordingly larger meatballs will need a few more minutes.
Is this recipe keto-friendly? Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to make it low-carb.

Nutritional Info (per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Conclusion

Juicy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki are the perfect example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor. Packed with herbs, garlic, and lemon, these meatballs are moist, fragrant, and satisfying. The cool, creamy tzatziki provides the perfect contrast, making every bite irresistible. This recipe is versatile, nutritious, and easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining. Once you try them, they’ll become a regular part of your recipe rotation.

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August 31, 2025 by Melissa