Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki: Mediterranean Flavor at Home

If you’re looking for a healthy, flavor-packed Mediterranean dinner, these Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki are a perfect choice. Juicy chicken meatballs are infused with garlic, herbs, and lemon, while a cool, creamy tzatziki brings refreshing balance. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, party platters, or meal prep for the week.

With this guide, you’ll learn how to make perfectly tender chicken meatballs and whip up authentic tzatziki in minutes.

---

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavor balance: Garlic, dill, and lemon brighten juicy chicken meatballs.
• Light and healthy: Made with ground chicken and Greek yogurt.
• Versatile serving: Serve with pita, rice, salad, or as finger food.
• Meal prep friendly: Meatballs and tzatziki can be made ahead.
• Kid-friendly: Mild seasoning makes it appealing for all ages.

---

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan or baking)

For the Homemade Tzatziki

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish

• Lemon wedges
• Extra dill or parsley

---

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Prepare Tzatziki

1. In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Cover and refrigerate while preparing meatballs to let flavors meld.

---

2. Make Meatball Mixture

3. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
4. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

---

3. Shape Meatballs

5. Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.
6. Place on a plate or tray ready for cooking.

---

4. Cook Meatballs

Option A – Pan Sear:
7. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides for 2–3 minutes, then reduce heat and cook 8–10 minutes until cooked through.

Option B – Oven Bake:
8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake meatballs for 15–18 minutes until golden and fully cooked.

---

5. Serve

9. Arrange meatballs on a platter, drizzle with tzatziki, and garnish with fresh dill or lemon wedges.
10. Serve with pita, rice, or a Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.

---

Tips for Success

• Juicy meatballs: Don’t overmix chicken mixture; gently combine for tender results.
• Flavor boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for subtle heat.
• Meal prep: Meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the fridge up to 3 days.
• Tzatziki variation: Add a teaspoon of olive oil on top before serving for richness.

---

Variations

• Mini meatballs: Make smaller sizes for appetizers or party trays.
• Baked vegetable option: Serve over roasted vegetables for a low-carb meal.
• Herb swaps: Try mint instead of dill for a fresher twist.
• Sauce options: Pair with hummus or roasted red pepper sauce for variety.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve meatballs as a main course with tzatziki and warm pita bread.
• Make a Mediterranean platter with olives, feta, grape tomatoes, and cucumber slices.
• Great for holiday appetizers, family dinners, or meal prep for workweek lunches.

---

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Greek meatballs, or keftedes, are traditionally made with beef, lamb, or chicken and seasoned with fresh herbs and citrus. Tzatziki is a classic yogurt-cucumber sauce, known for its refreshing, cooling flavor that balances rich, savory meat. This combination has roots in Greek cuisine but is widely loved in Mediterranean-style menus across the globe.