Introduction:
When you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal, Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki should be at the top of your list. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines juicy, herb-packed chicken meatballs with cool and creamy tzatziki sauce, creating a flavor explosion that’s satisfying yet light.
Whether you’re following the Mediterranean diet, looking for low carb dinner recipes, or just craving something that feels indulgent without being heavy, this dish delivers on all fronts. Even better, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Dish
Greek cuisine is famous for its fresh flavors, vibrant herbs, and nourishing ingredients, and these chicken meatballs are no exception. The meatballs are made with ground chicken, garlic, onion, herbs like oregano and dill, and a touch of breadcrumbs or almond flour to hold everything together. The result? Tender, flavorful bites that pair perfectly with a homemade tzatziki sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and refreshing.
There’s something magical about the combination of warm, savory meatballs and cool, garlicky yogurt sauce. Plus, this dish fits into many healthy lifestyles—it’s high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with nutrients, making it a smart choice for anyone focusing on better eating habits.
You can serve these meatballs in so many ways: over a simple salad, stuffed in a pita, alongside rice or quinoa, or even as an appetizer with toothpicks and a side of tzatziki for dipping.
The Power of Homemade Tzatziki
If you’ve never made homemade tzatziki sauce, you’re in for a treat. This Greek yogurt-based sauce is simple to make and far superior to the store-bought versions that often taste bland or overly sour.
All you need is thick Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a handful of fresh herbs like dill or mint. The key to great tzatziki is squeezing out as much moisture as possible from the grated cucumber, so your sauce stays thick and creamy.
Tzatziki is not just a sauce for meatballs—it’s also incredible as a dip for veggies, a spread for sandwiches, or even as a dressing drizzled over roasted veggies or grilled chicken. It’s high in protein, packed with probiotics, and low in calories, making it one of the healthiest and most versatile condiments you can keep in your fridge.
Ingredient List
For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:
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1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low carb)
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely grated
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2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs or almond flour, egg, garlic, grated onion, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. You should get about 16–20 meatballs, depending on size.
3. Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the warm meatballs on a platter with a generous side of tzatziki. Garnish with extra dill or parsley, and serve with pita, salad, or grilled veggies.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few serving ideas to keep things exciting:
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With a Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta.
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Stuffed into a warm pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and tzatziki.
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Over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb or gluten-free option.
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As an appetizer on a party platter with toothpicks and extra tzatziki.
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Meal-prepped in bowls with roasted veggies, hummus, and pita chips.
Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Meatballs
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Grate the onion finely so it melts into the meat mixture and keeps the meatballs juicy.
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Chill the meatballs in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before cooking if they feel sticky.
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Use a nonstick pan or well-oiled cast iron to prevent sticking.
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Bake instead of pan-frying if you prefer; 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes works great.
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Double the tzatziki—you’ll want it on everything!
Nutritional Benefits
These Greek chicken meatballs are not just delicious—they’re also packed with nutrition:
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High in protein: Chicken and Greek yogurt provide plenty of protein to keep you full.
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Low in carbs: Especially if you use almond flour, making them keto-friendly.
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Heart-healthy fats: Thanks to olive oil and the Mediterranean ingredients.
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Probiotics: Tzatziki’s Greek yogurt base supports gut health.
This combination makes the dish an excellent fit for anyone following the Mediterranean diet, one of the most recommended diets for heart health and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! Freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag once frozen. You can also freeze cooked meatballs and reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop.
What can I substitute for chicken?
Ground turkey, lamb, or beef all work beautifully in this recipe. Each brings its own flavor profile—lamb, in particular, will give you a more traditional Greek taste.
How long will tzatziki last in the fridge?
Homemade tzatziki will keep well for 3–4 days in an airtight container. Stir it before serving as it may release a little liquid.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt) for the tzatziki and make sure to choose a dairy-free breadcrumb if using.
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki are a true crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of bold flavors, satisfying texture, and healthy ingredients. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this recipe guarantees happy faces around the table.
Plus, it’s packed with some of the highest CPC keywords in food blogging—like healthy chicken recipes, low carb dinner ideas, Mediterranean diet recipes, and homemade tzatziki sauce—making it a fantastic post for driving organic traffic and monetization potential.
So grab your herbs, yogurt, and chicken, and get cooking—you’re about to experience Greek food magic in your own kitchen!
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