Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Recipe

It’s funny how a simple craving for something tasty can lead you to discover a new favorite dish: Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs. These meatballs are not just flavorful but also packed with protein, making them a great option for any meal. If you want to impress your friends or simply enjoy a healthy snack, keep going to find out how easy it is to whip these up in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try these herby Greek chicken meatballs, you’ll quickly see why they’re a favorite for many cooks. They’re easy to prepare, with just a few minutes of prep and only 25 minutes in the oven. You can make them ahead for the week, perfect for quick weekday meals. The simple ingredients, like lean ground chicken, fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and feta cheese, make this recipe approachable. Plus, they’re high in protein and low in carbs, providing balanced nutrition. The meatballs reheat well, making them great for gatherings or leftovers. You can serve them in various ways, whether as a main dish, in salads, or as a snack with your favorite dips. Enjoy their versatility! Additionally, their appeal lies in the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients, which enhances both flavor and nutrition.

History

Greek meatballs, known as KefteDES, have a rich history that dates back to ancient Greece, shaped by various cultural influences over the centuries. Their origins are linked to ancient Roman polpette and Persian kofta, which combined minced meat with rice or lentils.

As KefteDES spread across regions, each culture adapted the recipe to fit local tastes and ingredients. Traditionally, these meatballs were cooked over an open flame, giving them a distinct smokey flavor. Originally developed to utilize leftover meat scraps, new herbs and spices were added over time, enhancing their appeal. KefteDES have served as appetizers, main meals, or snacks, making them a beloved dish among both the aristocrats and commoners of Greece.

Their enduring popularity showcases the versatility of Greek cuisine.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1-2 pounds lean ground chicken
– Fresh dill, chopped
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– Fresh mint, chopped
– Fresh oregano, chopped
– Ricotta, Parmesan, or feta cheese
– Garlic, minced
– Cumin
– Red pepper flakes
– Breadcrumbs
– Eggs
– Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the meatballs. If you prefer pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, fresh herbs, cheese of your choice, minced garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
If desired, soak the breadcrumbs in a splash of milk for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture for a moister texture.
With wet hands (using water or olive oil), scoop out portions of the meat mixture and form them into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
For baking: Place the meatballs on a wire baking rack set over a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
For pan-searing: Add the formed meatballs to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through, making sure they also reach 165°F internally.
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven or skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. These herby chicken meatballs are perfect for meal-prepping, as they make great leftovers.

For the best results, verify your herbs are fresh and finely chopped to maximize their flavor.

If you want to make the dish ahead of time, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them before cooking.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.

Enjoy serving these meatballs with a side of tzatziki sauce or atop a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Although you may feel tempted to rush through the cooking process, taking your time with this Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs recipe will pay off in flavor and texture.

By using fresh herbs, like parsley and mint, and key ingredients such as feta cheese and lemon zest, you’ll create a delicious dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Additionally, these meatballs provide a good source of 13mg of protein per serving, contributing to your daily nutritional needs.

Remember, avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender, and use a meat thermometer to guarantee they’re cooked perfectly at 165°F.

These meatballs can be served with roasted vegetables or Tzatziki sauce, making for a balanced meal.

Plus, they store well, so meal prepping is a breeze.

Enjoy the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a delightful meal that everyone will love.

FAQ

When you’re diving into the world of meatballs, it’s normal to have a few questions about the process and best practices.

First, avoid overmixing the meat mixture; this keeps your meatballs tender. If they’re tough, you might be packing them too tightly.

To prevent them from falling apart, use moist breadcrumbs or an egg as a binder. For even cooking, make all your meatballs the same size using a small cookie scoop. Remember to add some fat, like olive oil, to keep them moist. Soak breadcrumbs in milk to enhance moisture and bind the mixture.

Additionally, consider using fresh herbs like dill and mint to add a burst of flavor to your meatballs.

Finally, always cook your meatballs to an internal temperature of 165°F, using a meat thermometer for accuracy.