Why This Recipe Works
This recipe blends mild ground chicken with bold Mediterranean flavors. The sun dried tomatoes and feta give jerky, salty bites. Parmesan and whole wheat panko keep the meatballs firm without extra fat. Herbs and green onion add fresh notes. If you like simple chicken dishes, try a honey butter chicken recipe for another easy family meal.
These Mediterranean chicken meatballs are quick, healthy, and full of flavor. They cook fast in the oven and do not need frying. This makes them a good weeknight choice. You can serve them with a salad, rice, or in bowls with tzatziki and veggies. For another easy stovetop dish, see this chicken lo mein recipe.
Why you should try this recipe
You should try it because it is:
- Fast: ready in about 30 minutes.
- Lean: uses ground chicken or turkey.
- Versatile: serve as a main, in bowls, or on a pita.
- Tasty: salty feta and sweet sun dried tomatoes lift plain chicken.
How to make Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
These steps make about 18 meatballs. Read all steps before you start and gather your ingredients.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground chicken (or ground turkey)
- 1/4 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes (packed in oil, chopped)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Squeeze of lemon (optional)
Equipments Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Small to medium cookie scoop or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, sun dried tomatoes, feta and parmesan cheeses, garlic, green onions, parsley and season with salt and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Using a small to medium cookie scoop, make 2-inch sized balls and place on the baking sheet. You should get about 18 meatballs.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Squeeze a little lemon juice over top (if desired) and serve alongside a Mediterranean salad or in bowls with brown rice, homemade tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies.
How to serve Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Serve with a fresh Mediterranean salad and warm pita.
- Make bowls with brown rice, tzatziki, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
- Put meatballs inside a pita with lettuce and sauce for a quick lunch.
- For a different meal style, pair with noodles and a light sauce — try this quick chicken lo mein recipe for noodle ideas.
How to store Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Refrigerate: Place cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Lay meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until hot.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not overmix the meat. Mix until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizes and even cooking.
- If mixture feels too wet, add a little more panko; if too dry, add a splash of olive oil or an extra egg white.
- Let meatballs rest 5 minutes after baking to hold their shape.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this gluten-free.
- Replace sun dried tomatoes with chopped roasted red peppers for a milder taste.
- Add chopped spinach or diced olives for extra flavor and color.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these on the stovetop instead of the oven?
A: Yes. Heat a skillet with a little oil over medium heat and cook meatballs, turning often, until cooked through and browned, about 10–12 minutes.
Q: Are these meatballs freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
A: Yes. Store-bought tzatziki works well and saves time. You can also mix plain yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill for a quick homemade version.
Q: How do I know when meatballs are done?
A: Meatballs are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F and they are lightly browned.
Conclusion
For another take on Mediterranean-style chicken meatballs, see this detailed recipe on Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs – Grilled Cheese Social, which shows serving ideas and tips. You can also compare flavors with the version at Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs – Eat Yourself Skinny for more recipe notes and photos.
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
Quick, healthy Mediterranean chicken meatballs that are baked and packed with flavor from feta, sun dried tomatoes, and herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (or ground turkey)
- 1/4 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes (packed in oil, chopped)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Squeeze of lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, sun dried tomatoes, feta and parmesan cheeses, garlic, green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Using a small to medium cookie scoop, make 2-inch sized balls and place on the baking sheet. You should get about 18 meatballs.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Squeeze a little lemon juice over top (if desired) and serve alongside a Mediterranean salad or in bowls with brown rice, homemade tzatziki sauce, and fresh veggies.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat for tender meatballs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Hi, I’m Lina! I’m a 43-year-old home cook and mom of two, serving up easy, soul-hugging recipes for real-life families. Join me for delicious and reliable baking recipes. Everything from cakes, brownies, cheese cake and cookies to bars, quick breads, and more. Every recipe is tested, perfected, and made to inspire confidence in your kitchen. Happy baking!
