Description
These Soft and Tender Baked Greek Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful, healthy option that doesn’t use breadcrumbs, making them lighter and gluten-free friendly. Infused with classic Greek herbs like dill, parsley, and mint, and a touch of paprika and lemon zest, these meatballs bake to golden perfection and are perfect served with tzatziki sauce, rice bowls, or your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken (dark meat preferred, but either works)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup very finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, optional chili flakes, finely diced red onion, chopped dill, parsley, mint, and lemon zest. Gently mix with a fork or chopstick until just combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure tender meatballs.
- Shape and bake meatballs: Using a tablespoon or 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the meat mixture and shape into meatballs with moistened hands to prevent sticking. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake until cooked and golden: Bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning the parchment paper.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the meatballs hot alongside tzatziki sauce, in rice bowls, or with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- To keep meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- Moistening your hands with water while shaping helps prevent sticking.
- Broil briefly at the end for extra color, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no breadcrumbs.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.
