These Greek chicken meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and full of Mediterranean flair. Packed with savory herbs, tangy feta, and a hint of garlic, they make a delicious option for weeknight dinners or party appetizers. Serve them with your favorite sauce or tucked into a warm pita for an easy meal everyone will love.
There’s something about those herby Mediterranean flavors paired with cool, creamy tzatziki that always gets my taste buds going. I love this recipe because it’s simple, quick to make, and so easy to customize. The blend of oregano, garlic, and feta gives these Greek chicken meatballs that classic flavor you’d expect from your favorite Greek restaurant, but with the ease of a homemade meal.
You can serve them so many different ways, which is part of what makes them a staple in my kitchen. Pair them with rice, feta, and a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a full meal. Tuck them into warm pitas with lettuce and sauce for a satisfying lunch, or serve them on a platter with dips for an easy party appetizer that’s bursting with flavor.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Ground Chicken – Use lean ground chicken for a lighter option, but not extra lean or the meatballs can dry out. You can substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef if you prefer.
- Garlic Powder – Adds depth of flavor without chopping fresh garlic. You can use fresh minced garlic if you like a stronger flavor.
- Dried Oregano – Classic in Greek cooking and gives the meatballs their signature flavor. Substitute with Italian seasoning or fresh oregano if that’s what you have.
- Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta adds saltiness and richness. Look for a block of feta in brine for the best flavor and texture.
- Egg – Helps bind the meatballs together. Make sure it’s well beaten before mixing.
- Plain Breadcrumbs – Regular or panko breadcrumbs work well to hold moisture. For a low-carb version, try crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that balance the flavors. Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper for best results.
- Fresh Parsley – Optional for garnish, but adds a pop of color and freshness. You can substitute dried parsley or omit if you prefer.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired. In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, garlic powder, oregano, feta, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Use a fork or clean hands to gently combine the mixture until just mixed. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get about 12 evenly sized meatballs. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each one.
- Step 4: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, and serve warm with your favorite sauce or side dishes.
Hint: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs that cook at the same rate.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Use a Different Protein – Swap the ground chicken for turkey, lean beef, or lamb for a richer, more traditional Greek flavor.
- Add More Herbs – Mix in fresh dill, mint, or basil for a brighter, more aromatic taste.
- Make Them Spicy – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of harissa for a little heat.
- Go Dairy-Free – Skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative made from almond or coconut milk.
- Low-Carb Option – Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or ground flaxseed.
- Pan Fry Instead of Bake – Cook the meatballs in a skillet with a bit of olive oil for a crispier exterior.
- Serve in a Sauce – Simmer the cooked meatballs in marinara or lemon-garlic sauce for a twist on the flavor.
Equipment
You don’t need much to make these Greek chicken meatballs, just a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a fork or your hands for mixing. A cookie scoop helps portion the meat evenly for consistent cooking.
Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent the meatballs from sticking. If you prefer, you can also cook them in an air fryer for a quicker, crispier result.
Storage
Store leftover Greek chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 30–60 seconds or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. For the best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.
To freeze, let the meatballs cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and slightly crisp on the outside.
Top Tips
- Mix the ingredients gently to keep the meatballs tender instead of dense.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs that cook at the same rate.
- Don’t skip the feta—it adds flavor and moisture to the meatballs.
- Line your pan with parchment paper to make cleanup quick and easy.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking to help them stay juicy.
- For extra flavor, brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil before baking.
- Double the batch and freeze half for easy future meals.
Serving Suggestions
These Greek chicken meatballs are versatile enough to serve in all kinds of ways. For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, try adding them to a rice bowl with fresh veggies, crumbled feta, and a generous dollop of Homemade Tzatziki Sauce. Pair them with Instant Pot Long Grain Rice for a quick, filling base, or serve alongside a light Middle Eastern Bread Salad for a fresh, colorful side dish.
For an Italian twist, serve these flavorful meatballs with Easy 25-Minute Marinara Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta with Blush Sauce, or tuck them into warm pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki for an easy handheld meal. However you serve them, these meatballs are flavorful enough to stand on their own and pair beautifully with simple, fresh sides.
FAQ
You can mix and roll the meatballs up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
Absolutely. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the meatballs for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. The outside should be golden brown.
Related
More Greek inspired recipes:
If you like this Greek Chicken Meatballs recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Greek Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired. In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, garlic powder, oregano, feta, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Use a fork or clean hands to gently combine the mixture until just mixed. Avoid overmixing.
- Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get about 12 evenly sized meatballs. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each one.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, and serve warm with your favorite sauce or side dishes.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat. Combine everything gently so the meatballs stay tender.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion evenly for consistent cooking.
- These meatballs can also be cooked in the air fryer. Preheat it to 375°F and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- You can mix and roll the meatballs in advance. Store them in the fridge and bake just before serving.
- Swap the ground chicken for turkey or lean ground beef if that’s what you have on hand.
Nutrition
Thanks for stopping by! Subscribe to Jersey Girl Cooks if you would like more recipes and cooking tips sent to your email. You can also order my Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners and follow me on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
Leave a Reply