Soft and Tender Baked Greek Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken (Dark meat is preferred, but either will work.)
• 1 tsp kosher salt (Or to taste.)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.25 tsp chili flakes (Optional.)
• 0.25 cup red onion (Very finely diced.)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (Chopped.)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (Chopped.)
• 2 tsp fresh mint (Chopped.)
• 0.5 tsp lemon zest (Optional.)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Add the ground chicken, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, chili flakes if using, finely diced red onion, chopped dill, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and lemon zest if using to a large bowl.

3. 3

   Using a fork or chopstick, mix the ingredients until thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing will make the meatballs less tender.

4. 4

   Using a tablespoon or a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the mixture and shape it into meatballs with your hands. Keep your hands moist with water to prevent the mixture from becoming sticky.

5. 5

   Evenly space the shaped meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.

6. 6

   Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.

7. 7

   If the meatballs are cooked through but not as brown as desired, broil them for 1–2 minutes, watching closely. Parchment paper can burn under high broiler heat.

8. 8

   Serve hot with tzatziki sauce as an appetizer, in a rice bowl, or with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

The recipe yields 12–16 meatballs. The author notes that the fresh herbs can be adjusted if necessary; if using only mint, use no more than 1 tablespoon because its flavor is stronger. Lemon zest may be omitted. Suggested pairings include rice, fresh cabbage salad, and dairy-free tzatziki. The source does not specify an internal temperature.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• appetizer
• gluten-free
• baked
• Greek-inspired
• high-protein
• weeknight dinner
• dairy-free