Savory Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting delectable mediterranean chicken meatballs transports you straight to sun-drenched coastal kitchens.

Aromas of fresh herbs and spices swirl through the air, promising a culinary adventure.

Mediterranean cuisine celebrates bold flavors and simple ingredients that dance together perfectly.

Tender ground chicken mingles with fragrant parsley, mint, and garlic, creating irresistible little flavor bombs.

Succulent spices whisper stories of ancient cooking traditions passed down through generations.

Each bite promises a delightful journey across warm Mediterranean landscapes.

These meatballs will become your new favorite dinner sensation that everyone craves.

Why Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Are Juicy And Bold

• Craft Flavor-Packed Bites: Mediterranean spices like cumin, oregano, and paprika transform ordinary chicken into a taste explosion that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Serve these meatballs as appetizers, over pasta, or tucked inside a pita for a flexible dish that adapts to any meal style or hunger level.
• Quick Protein Power: Ground chicken creates a lean, protein-rich meal that comes together faster than traditional beef or lamb meatballs, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple Crowd-Pleaser: With just one bowl and a skillet, even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish that impresses family and guests without complicated techniques.

Ingredients For Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: Lean meat that provides the main structure and flavor for the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold the meatballs together and provide a tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory depth to the meatball mixture.

• Garlic, Onion: Provide a foundational aromatic base with sharp and sweet notes.
• Parsley, Oregano, Cumin, Paprika: Create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile with herbs and warm spices.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the meatballs and creating a golden-brown exterior.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and a classic tomato flavor to complement the chicken meatballs.

How To Cook Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Right

Step 1: Whip Up the Meatball Magic

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Diced onion
• Egg
• Fresh parsley
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dive in with your hands and blend everything together until the mixture becomes a harmonious blend of Mediterranean goodness.

Step 2: Shape Your Culinary Masterpiece

Roll the mixture into adorable bite-sized meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball.

Ensure they’re compact and uniform for even cooking.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Gently place the meatballs into the pan, letting them dance and develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re perfectly cooked through.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Pour your favorite marinara sauce over the meatballs, allowing them to simmer and soak up the rich, tangy flavors for about 5 minutes. This step infuses the meatballs with an extra layer of deliciousness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate these Mediterranean delights warm. Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, toss them with pasta, or stuff them into a soft pita for a satisfying meal that’ll transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.

Top Tips For Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor and better texture in the meatball mixture.
• Ensure meatballs are uniform in size to guarantee even cooking and consistent doneness.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior on each meatball.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Experiment with different herbs like mint or dill to add a unique Mediterranean twist to the classic recipe.

Fresh Twists On Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Greek-Style Zinger: Swap cumin with fresh dill, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy North African Kick: Replace paprika with harissa paste, incorporate ground coriander, and mix in some chopped mint for a vibrant North African-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Skip breadcrumbs, use almond flour instead, increase egg quantity, and serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter protein-packed meal.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Replace dried herbs with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage, add lemon zest, and garnish with pine nuts for an aromatic herbal variation.

Perfect Pairings For Chicken Meatballs

• Elevate Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Pairing
• Crisp White Wine Match: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Greek Assyrtiko that cuts through the richness of the meatballs, complementing their herbal Mediterranean spices with bright, citrusy notes.
• Fresh Greek Salad Companion: Serve alongside a classic Greek salad with crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese to balance the savory meatballs and add refreshing texture.
• Creamy Tzatziki Dipping Sauce: Prepare a homemade tzatziki with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill to provide a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm, spiced meatballs, enhancing their flavor profile.

Storing Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs The Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Wrap individual meatballs in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Microwave Reheat: Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir marinara sauce halfway to ensure even heating.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs About Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute with similar texture and flavor profile. The cooking method remains exactly the same.

• How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, crushed gluten-free crackers, or rolled oats to maintain the binding consistency.

• Is it necessary to use all the listed spices?

While the spices contribute to the Mediterranean flavor, you can adjust or reduce them based on personal preference. Cumin, oregano, and paprika are key for authentic taste.

• What if my meatballs are falling apart during cooking?

Ensure you mix ingredients thoroughly and chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping. The egg and breadcrumbs help bind the meat, preventing crumbling.

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean charm with these delightful chicken meatballs that blend aromatic herbs and zesty spices into a culinary journey. Rich Mediterranean flavors dance on your palate, promising a delectable escape that satisfies comfort and gourmet cravings in one delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Spices:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Blend ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, egg, parsley, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients form a harmonious mixture.
2. Craft compact spherical morsels approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
3. Warm olive oil in a substantial skillet over medium heat (around 350°F), carefully positioning meatballs to prevent overcrowding.
4. Sear meatballs for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating gently to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Delicately cascade marinara sauce over the sizzling meatballs, reducing heat and allowing them to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, enabling flavor infusion.
6. Plate the succulent meatballs as a versatile dish – perfect as an appetizer, accompanied by pasta, or nestled within a warm pita pocket.

Notes

• Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier protein option that keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
• Chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help meatballs hold their shape and prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Use a light touch when mixing and forming meatballs to ensure they remain soft and juicy instead of dense and tough.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or ground oats for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg