Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki

When you’re craving something fresh, herby, and satisfying—but still light and wholesome—Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki are the perfect answer. Juicy, protein-packed chicken meatballs infused with lemon, garlic, and oregano meet a creamy, refreshing cucumber-yogurt sauce for a meal that’s healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to love.

This recipe is inspired by the rustic simplicity of traditional Greek cooking, where bold herbs, citrus, and olive oil take center stage. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. Serve these meatballs in pita wraps, over rice bowls, or alongside a big Greek salad—they’re as versatile as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy & High Protein: Made with lean ground chicken and low-fat yogurt.

• Full of Flavor: Garlic, lemon, herbs, and spices bring every bite to life.

• Simple to Make: One bowl and under 40 minutes from start to finish.

• Meal-Prep Friendly: Store, reheat, and serve in a variety of ways.

• Naturally Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (breast or thigh)

• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup onion, grated or finely minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing or brushing)

For the Homemade Tzatziki:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)

• 1/2 English cucumber, grated and squeezed of excess water

• 1 clove garlic, finely grated or mashed

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon chopped dill (optional but traditional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Optional for Serving:

• Warm pita bread or flatbreads

• Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, red onion slices

• Cooked rice or quinoa

• Crumbled feta cheese

• Lemon wedges

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

1. Make the Meatball Mixture

• In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients: ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

• Mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

2. Shape the Meatballs

• Form the mixture into small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches).

• You should get around 16–20 meatballs.

3. Cook the Meatballs

You can bake or pan-fry, depending on your preference.

To Bake:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Brush or spray lightly with olive oil.

• Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked.

To Pan-Fry:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add meatballs in batches and cook 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

• Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Make the Homemade Tzatziki

• In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.

• Mix well and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Serving Ideas

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy them:

Greek Bowl

Serve over rice or quinoa with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and a generous scoop of tzatziki.

Pita Wraps

Fill warm pita bread with meatballs, lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki for a quick and delicious wrap.

Appetizer Platter

Serve as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks and a bowl of tzatziki for dipping.

Low-Carb Plate

Pair with roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a big green salad.

Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Meatballs

1. Grate the Onion
Grated onion adds moisture and blends seamlessly into the meat mixture.

2. Don’t Overmix
Gently combine the ingredients just until uniform—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.

3. Use Fresh Herbs If Possible
Fresh dill and parsley really brighten the flavor. Dried can be used in a pinch.

4. Chill the Tzatziki
Letting the sauce rest for at least 10 minutes in the fridge enhances the flavor and thickens the texture.

5. Use Chicken Thigh for Juicier Results
Ground chicken breast is lean, but thigh meat has a bit more fat and flavor.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator

• Store meatballs and tzatziki separately in airtight containers.

• They’ll keep for up to 4 days.

Freezer

• Freeze cooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or skillet.

Reheating

• Reheat meatballs in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven (350°F) until hot.

• Tzatziki is best served fresh or within a few days—avoid freezing it.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, Approximate – 4 Meatballs + 2 tbsp Tzatziki)

• Calories: 290

• Protein: 26g

• Carbs: 6g

• Fat: 17g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 400mg

This dish is naturally low in carbs, high in protein, and fits well into Mediterranean, keto, and low-carb lifestyles.

Customize It Your Way

Make It Spicy

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the meatball mixture.

Add Greens

• Fold in finely chopped spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.

Dairy-Free Version

• Use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki and omit feta if serving with cheese.

Mini Meatballs for Appetizers

• Roll into bite-sized balls for party platters or mezze boards.

Reader Reviews

“So easy and flavorful! The meatballs came out juicy, and the tzatziki made it feel like a restaurant dish.”
— Nina D.

“I meal prepped these with rice and roasted zucchini. Four lunches DONE!”
— Jordan K.

“Loved this healthy twist on Greek food. I added them to a pita wrap with extra dill—perfection.”
— Sarah M.

More Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes

If you love Greek flavors, try these next:

• Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo and Spinach

• Greek Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Feta

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

• Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce

• Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Skewers

These recipes celebrate the fresh, bold flavors of the Mediterranean—wholesome, vibrant, and deeply satisfying.

Bring Greek Flavor to Your Table

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki are a reminder that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and endlessly versatile—perfect for family dinners, lunch bowls, or party spreads.

Once you try them, they’ll quickly earn a regular spot in your recipe rotation.

The Secret Behind Juicy Chicken Meatballs

Chicken meatballs have a reputation for being dry—but not this recipe. The key is the grated onion, a simple trick that adds moisture without watering down the mix. Combined with fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and a touch of lemon zest, these meatballs stay tender and flavorful every time.

Perfect for Lunchboxes and Meal Prep

These Greek chicken meatballs aren’t just for dinner—they’re fantastic for lunch, too. Add a few to a container with quinoa or couscous, chopped cucumbers and tomatoes, and a small container of tzatziki for dipping. You’ll have a Mediterranean-inspired lunch that keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

Great for Entertaining and Mezze Platters

Hosting a gathering? These meatballs make an excellent addition to a mezze board. Serve them alongside hummus, olives, stuffed grape leaves, roasted vegetables, and warm pita for a spread that feels festive, healthy, and satisfying. Add toothpicks or skewers for easy serving.

Pairing Suggestions

Looking to build a full Greek-inspired meal? Here are some great pairings for your chicken meatballs:

• Greek Lemon Potatoes: Roasted with garlic, oregano, and olive oil.

• Classic Greek Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, red onion, and olives.

• Lemon Rice Pilaf: Fragrant and fluffy with a bright citrus touch.

• Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers brushed with olive oil.

Tzatziki: The Ultimate Greek Condiment

Don’t underestimate tzatziki—it’s not just a dip, it’s the cooling, creamy counterpart to the savory spices in the meatballs. Whether used as a sauce, sandwich spread, or salad dressing, it brings a refreshing balance that elevates the entire dish.

A Healthy Twist on Traditional Comfort Food

This recipe is a healthier alternative to heavier meat-based meals. Using lean ground chicken, fresh herbs, and a yogurt-based sauce means you’re getting more protein, less fat, and tons of flavor—with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

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