Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy dish that combines lean ground chicken with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Baked to golden perfection, they make a perfect main course served alongside pita, rice, or a fresh Greek salad. Easy to prepare and packed with protein, these meatballs bring a lovely Mediterranean flair to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken – Lean and protein-packed base for the meatballs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs – Helps bind the mixture while keeping it light and moist
- 1 large egg – Acts as a binder
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese – Adds a creamy, salty texture
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion – Mild, sweet flavor
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes – Adds a rich, tangy taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Enhances flavor and moisture
- 1 tsp dried oregano – Mediterranean herb for flavor
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Adds depth to seasoning
- ½ tsp dried dill – Fresh, herby note
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances flavors
- ¼ tsp black pepper – Mild kick
Garnish
- Fresh mint or parsley – Adds freshness and color
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, golf ball-sized meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven, garnish with fresh mint or parsley for added freshness and color. Serve them alongside pita bread, rice, or a Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal experience.
Notes
- Ensure the meatballs are not too large for even cooking; golf ball-sized is ideal.
- If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can broil the meatballs for an additional 2 minutes after baking.
- Use fresh herbs if available to enhance flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
- These meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds.
