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Sandra Valvassori

Sandra Valvassori

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Home › Dinner

Greek Chicken Meatballs With Tzatziki

Posted: March 4, 2025 | by Sandra Valvassori
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These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki are packed with Mediterranean flavors for a fresh twist on a classic. Made with ground chicken, they’re a lighter yet juicy alternative to traditional meatballs and are endlessly versatile. A cool and creamy tzatziki makes the perfect pairing, then serve them in a warm pita, over a crisp Greek salad, or with a side of rice for an easy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Greek Chicken meatballs served in a white bowl with tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad.

Low-Carb And Gluten-Free, These Delightful Meatballs Deliver

These Greek-inspired chicken meatballs are incredibly easy to make and perfect to whip up for a busy weeknight. Made with a simple mix of ground chicken, onion, garlic, chopped herbs, an egg and a little oil, they’re juicy and full of flavor.

In keeping with the Greek theme, we love these meatballs served over a Greek salad with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs, and of course PUH-lenty of feta cheese. But they work equally well on their own as a fun appetizer or served simply over a bed of rice or with roasted potatoes.

Table of Contents[Hide]
  • Low-Carb And Gluten-Free, These Delightful Meatballs Deliver
  • Recipe Ingredients And Notes
  • Variations
  • How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs With Tzatziki (Step by Step).
  • Helpful Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage Tips
  • More Meatball Recipes To Try
  • Did you try this recipe?
  • Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki
    • Ingredients  1x2x3x
    • Instructions 
    • Notes

Best of all, these juicy meatballs roast in the oven rather than fry on the stovetop, keeping cleanup to a minimum. I highly recommend you make double batches for meal prep because they also freeze beautifully!

If you enjoy meatballs, make sure to give these super popular Italian Meatballs a try, or this Albondigas Soup that is perfect for chilly weather.

Recipe Ingredients And Notes

*This is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need. For a complete list of ingredients and measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

Recipe ingredients prepared in bowls.
  • Ground chicken: These Greek chicken meatballs are made with ground chicken but feel free to use any ground meat of your choosing.
  • Spices: Dried oregano will give these meatballs a familiar Greek flavor. I also like to add ground coriander and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Garlic: Here I like to grate the garlic with a microplane but minced will work just as well. Fresh garlic is truly best here, but in a pinch, you can use 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
  • Red Onion: For loads of flavor, add very finely minced red onion. Again, in a pinch, you can use 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
  • Egg: I like to add 1 egg to the ground chicken mixture. I have tested these meatballs without eggs and though the meatballs turn out fine, I find they are juicier with an egg.
  • Lemon Zest: We are pretty much using the same ingredients here that we would use for marinating Greek chicken kabobs. Lemon zest makes these Greek chicken meatballs taste delightful!
  • Red wine vinegar: Optional, but will add a subtle tangy, slightly fruity flavor to the meatballs.
  • Fresh dill and mint: You can get away with dried herbs but for truly delicious Greek meatballs, fresh mint and dill is the way to go. You can substitute parsley for wither the mint or dill, if you wish, but try not to omit both.
  • Tzatziki: I highly recommend serving these meatballs with a homemade, or store-bought tzatziki—so good! The Italian deli near me sells a fabulous tzatziki sauce but it is almost $10 for a small tub so I always make my own which is super easy, can be made ahead, and even more delicious. To make it, you’ll need Greek yogurt, English cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, fresh dill and mint.

Variations

Extra Veggies: Add finely grated zucchini or carrots for extra moisture and nutrition.

Protein Swap: While ground chicken is my go-to for this Greek meatballs, you can use ground turkey, beef, lamb, or even a mix for a richer flavor.

Spices: Add cumin or more red pepper flakes for extra flavor and/or heat or leave them out if you prefer a milder taste.

Dairy-Free Option: Try a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the tzatziki.

Egg-Free: These meatballs work without an egg, though they turn out slightly firmer.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs With Tzatziki (Step by Step).

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, dried oregano, coriander, red pepper flakes, grated garlic, minced red onion, lemon zest, red wine vinegar (if using), fresh dill, fresh mint, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat!

Meatball ingredients in a glass mixing bowl.
Meatball mixture in a glass mixing bowl with cookie scooper.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’d like the meatballs to have a little color, place them under the broiler 2-3 minutes before their cooking time is up.

Rolled, uncooked meatballs on baking sheet.
Baked meatballs on cookie sheet.

Step 5: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

Grate cucumber, then squeeze out excess moisture with a towel. Mix it with Greek yogurt, grated garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Tzatziki ingredients in glass mixing bowl.
Prepared tzatziki sauce in glass mixing bowl.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve the meatballs warm with tzatziki, pita, rice, or a Greek salad.

Baked Greek chicken meatballs on a black serving bowl with bowls of tzatziki sauce, Kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes on the side.

Helpful Tips

Have your sides ready to go. However you will be serving these chicken meatballs, make sure you have your sides ready to go because once rolled up, the meatballs bake (or broil) so quickly you won’t have time to even check your phone.

Broil for a few minutes. These ground chicken meatballs will look a little pale because they are baked not fried. If you’d like them to be a little more golden brown, place them under the broiler 2 minutes before their cooking time is up. In other words, the broiling is not in addition to the cooking time as this might overcook them.

Don’t overmix. To keep the meatballs nice and tender, mix just to combine. Over-mixing will make them dense.

Chill the rolled meatballs. If possible, chill the rolled meatballs for 15-20 minutes so they keep their shape while they bake.

Use a scoop. A cookie scoop will help portion out evenly sized meatballs which ensures they cook at the same rate.

Close-up of Greek Chicken meatballs served in a white bowl with tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

How do I keep chicken meatballs from drying out?

Using an egg, fresh herbs, and a little fat (like olive oil) helps keep them juicy. Also, avoid overcooking!

Can I cook these chicken meatballs in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you might have to do two batches.

Can I cook these Greek meatballs on the stovetop?

Yes, meatballs cooked on the stovetop make a bot of a mess but they are very delicious! Stovetop Method: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

These juicy Greek chicken meatballs are best served with a side of creamy tzatziki sauce. They’re great with pita bread, rice, quinoa, or a fresh Greek salad.

If serving with a Greek salad, these are the ingredients I like to include: cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, Kalamata olives, chopped Romaine lettuce and generous amounts of crumbled feta cheese.

You can also turn them into a gyro-style wrap!

Storage Tips

  • To store: Let baked meatballs cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat: Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
  • Freezing Uncooked Meatballs: Arrange the shaped, raw meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 22-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
  • Freezing Cooked Meatballs: Let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave in 45-second bursts until heated through.

More Meatball Recipes To Try

Italian Wedding Soup (Minestra Maritata)
Chicken Meatballs in Thai Red Curry Sauce
Albóndigas Guisadas (Stewed Meatballs)

Did you try this recipe?

Let us know your thoughts on these Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki by leaving a star rating below!  

Thank you!~Sandra

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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

Author: Sandra Valvassori
These Greek Chicken Meatballs are packed with Mediterranean flavors for a fresh twist on a classic. Made with ground chicken, they’re a lighter yet juicy alternative to traditional meatballs and are endlessly versatile. A cool and creamy tzatziki makes the perfect pairing, then serve them in a warm pita, over a crisp Greek salad, or with a side of rice for an easy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Servings 4
Greek Chicken meatballs served in a white bowl with tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad.

Ingredients  

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (or ground cumin)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar (optional)

For The Tzatziki

  • 1 cup grated cucumber (from about 1/2 large English cucumber)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (not low-fat)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
  • 2-3 tablespoons minced dill, mint or a mix (I always use a mix)

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle 1 teaspoon of the olive oil over a large baking sheet. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the remaining teaspoon of the olive oil, ground chicken, egg, red onion, garlic, fresh dill, fresh mint, lemon zest, oregano, coriander, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and red wine vinegar (if using). Mix until well combined but don't over-mix.
  • Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you'd like the meatballs to have a little color, place them under the broiler 2-3 minutes before their cooking time is up.
  • While the meatballs bake, make the tzatziki. Place grated cucumber in the middle of a clean kitchen towel, then squeeze out excess moisture. Place in a medium bowl and add the Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill and/or mint and salt. Stir to combine.
  • Serve the meatballs warm with tzatziki, pita, rice, or a Greek salad.

Notes

Stovetop Method: If you prefer to pan-fry the meatballs on the stovetop, here’s what to do: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Broil for a few minutes. These ground chicken meatballs will look a little pale because they are baked not fried. If you’d like them to be a little more golden brown, place them under the broiler 2 minutes before their cooking time is up. In other words, the broiling is not in addition to the cooking time as this might overcook them.
Don’t overmix. To keep the meatballs nice and tender, mix just to combine. Over-mixing will make them dense.
Chill the rolled meatballs. If possible, chill the rolled meatballs for 15-20 minutes so they keep their shape while they bake.
Use a scoop. A cookie scoop will help portion out evenly sized meatballs which ensures they cook at the same rate.
Tried this recipe?Tag @sandra_valvassori on Instagram or hashtag #sandravalvassori!

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