Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

Some recipes are more than just food—they’re memory keepers. These Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are one of those dishes that hold a special place in my heart. I still remember the first time I tasted them on a sun-drenched summer evening in my aunt’s coastal home in Crete. The table was bursting with small plates—olives, roasted peppers, tangy cheeses—but it was the warm platter of chicken meatballs that kept everyone coming back for more. Crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned with herbs that smelled like the very hills around us.

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That meal didn’t just satisfy hunger—it brought people together. These meatballs have since made their way to every one of our family potlucks, often accompanied by bowls of lemony couscous or thick dollops of creamy tzatziki. Over time, I’ve adapted the recipe to be just as flavorful but a little easier for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or cooking just for you, these meatballs bring a bit of Mediterranean magic to any table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Mediterranean Flavors in Every Bite: Bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and herbs like oregano and dill.
  • Healthy and Light: Made with lean ground chicken and baked, not fried.
  • Versatile and Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for grain bowls, wraps, salads, or as an appetizer.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and no-fuss steps—perfect for beginner cooks or busy weeknights.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

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  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onions
  • ¼ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • ¼ teaspoon dried dill
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: Tzatziki sauce and chopped fresh parsley for serving

HOW TO MAKE MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN MEATBALLS

Making these Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs is simple, satisfying, and a bit therapeutic—there’s something calming about shaping each meatball by hand, knowing the delicious results that await.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, crumbled feta, red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, dried dill, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork the mixture, or the meatballs can become tough.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll into 1½-inch balls. Place them evenly on your baking sheet. You should get around 20 meatballs.

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Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Lightly drizzle the tops with olive oil to help them brown in the oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let them rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with a side of tzatziki, warm pita, or over a fresh salad.

HELPFUL TIPS:

  • Don’t Overmix: A gentle hand makes tender meatballs. Mix just until combined.
  • Customize the Herbs: Try adding chopped fresh parsley or mint for even more freshness.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve over couscous, tuck into wraps, or make a grain bowl with quinoa and roasted veggies.
  • Make Ahead: You can prep and shape the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
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DETAILS:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: About 20 meatballs
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Halal

NOTES:

  • These meatballs are delicious served warm or cold.
  • Try doubling the batch and freezing half for future meals.
  • If you’re dairy-free, you can skip the feta and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
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NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per 4 meatballs):

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Mediterranean chicken meatball recipe
Mediterranean chicken meatballs are made with ground chicken, garlic, herbs like oregano and parsley, and crumbled feta. They’re oven-baked or pan-seared until golden, then served with tzatziki or over couscous with a side of fresh veggies. Perfect for meal prep, wraps, or party appetizers.

Mediterranean meatballs recipe
Mediterranean meatballs combine ground lamb or beef with garlic, cumin, parsley, and sometimes feta for rich flavor. These are typically baked or pan-fried, then paired with hummus, rice, or a cucumber-tomato salad. They’re great for quick dinners or mezze platters.

Mediterranean meatballs
Mediterranean meatballs are savory bites made from ground meat like lamb or chicken, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices. They’re often served with pita, tzatziki, or on a salad. Their bold, fresh flavors make them ideal for healthy meals or gatherings.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a container. Keeps well for up to 3 months.
  • To Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave in short intervals.
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CONCLUSION:

These Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are more than just a recipe—they’re a warm invitation to gather, share, and savor. They bring people together with their comforting spices, nourishing ingredients, and simple joy. Whether you’re cooking them for a big family dinner or prepping lunches for the week, this dish never fails to deliver a flavorful escape to the sunny Mediterranean coast.

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Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs


  • Author: Diane M

Description

Some recipes are more than just food—they’re memory keepers. These Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are one of those dishes that hold a special place in my heart. I still remember the first time I tasted them on a sun-drenched summer evening in my aunt’s coastal home in Crete. The table was bursting with small plates—olives, roasted peppers, tangy cheeses—but it was the warm platter of chicken meatballs that kept everyone coming back for more. Crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned with herbs that smelled like the very hills around us.

That meal didn’t just satisfy hunger—it brought people together. These meatballs have since made their way to every one of our family potlucks, often accompanied by bowls of lemony couscous or thick dollops of creamy tzatziki. Over time, I’ve adapted the recipe to be just as flavorful but a little easier for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or cooking just for you, these meatballs bring a bit of Mediterranean magic to any table.


Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground chicken

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

1 large egg

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

¼ cup finely diced red onions

¼ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes

¼ teaspoon dried dill

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: Tzatziki sauce and chopped fresh parsley for serving


Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, crumbled feta, red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, dried dill, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork the mixture, or the meatballs can become tough.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll into 1½-inch balls. Place them evenly on your baking sheet. You should get around 20 meatballs.

Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Lightly drizzle the tops with olive oil to help them brown in the oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let them rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with a side of tzatziki, warm pita, or over a fresh salad.

Notes

  • These meatballs are delicious served warm or cold.

  • Try doubling the batch and freezing half for future meals.

  • If you’re dairy-free, you can skip the feta and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

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