Ingredients and Directions
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1/4 cup whole wheat panko crumbs (can substitute other bread crumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated white or yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 generous pinch of salt and pepper, each
- 1 large egg
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
For the Homemade Tzatziki:
- 1 batch 5-Minute Homemade Tzatziki
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground chicken, panko crumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, dried oregano, ground coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and crumbled feta. Mix well with clean hands.
- Form the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Tzatziki: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tzatziki by whisking together Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot with the homemade tzatziki.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk
Storage and Leftovers
To store any leftovers, place the meatballs and tzatziki in separate airtight containers. The meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The tzatziki can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips and Variations
- Swap the Meat: Try using ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a bit of heat.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free bread crumbs for the panko crumbs.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley or fresh cilantro for a different twist.