Feta-Stuffed Greek Chicken Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Tzatziki
Delightful chicken meatballs stuffed with feta, paired with creamy roasted garlic tzatziki; easy to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250kcal
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken Tender and lean, the base of our meatballs.
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) For that extra crunch and structure.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion Adds sweetness and color.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced A burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped Brightness and freshness in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped An aromatic herb that’s classic in Greek cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Earthy and fragrant.
- 1 each zest of 1 lemon A hint of citrus brightness to elevate flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice For that perfect tang.
- 1 each egg, lightly beaten A binding agent that holds everything together.
- to taste each salt and freshly ground black pepper Essential seasonings for flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-searing) To ensure a perfect golden crust.
- 3 ounces feta cheese, cut into small cubes Creamy, salty, and melts beautifully within the meatballs.
For the Roasted Garlic Tzatziki
- 1 cup thick, creamy Greek yogurt The classic base for tzatziki.
- 1/2 each cucumber, grated and well-drained Provides crunch and freshness.
- 1 whole head garlic, roasted Sweet and mellow flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for tzatziki) Adds brightness to the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (for tzatziki) Essential herb to tie the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tzatziki) For richness and depth.
- to taste each salt and freshly ground black pepper (for tzatziki) Final touch of seasoning.
Instructions
Roast the Garlic for Tzatziki
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a whole head of garlic, slice the top off, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it securely in foil. Roast in the oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the cloves are golden and tender.
- After cooling, squeeze out the roasted garlic and mash it into a smooth paste, which will serve as the heart of your tzatziki.
Make the Roasted Garlic Tzatziki
- In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (well-drained), the mashed roasted garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle with olive oil and stir until well mixed. Cover this mixture and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Feta-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, red onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Take a small portion of the mixture, flatten it in your palm, place a cube of feta cheese in the center, and wrap the meat around it to form a round meatball. Repeat until all mixture is used.
Cook the Meatballs
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd them.
- Allow them to cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through.
Serve & Garnish
- Once cooked, arrange the meatballs on a serving platter. Serve with a generous side of the roasted garlic tzatziki sauce.
- Garnish with extra fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy with warm pita bread or a crisp Greek salad.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. Use pre-chopped herbs for convenience. Customize your tzatziki with mint for a refreshing twist. Ground turkey can be a healthier swap for chicken.