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Feta-Stuffed Greek Chicken Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Tzatziki


  • Author: Cora
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: #

Description

Feta-Stuffed Greek Chicken Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Tzatziki recipe and steps


Ingredients

Scale

For the Feta-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • 3 oz feta cheese, cut into small cubes

For the Roasted Garlic Tzatziki:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 head of garlic (roasted)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Garlic for Tzatziki

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice off the top of a whole head of garlic, exposing the tops of the cloves.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the garlic, ensuring it seeps into the cloves.
  4. Wrap the garlic head tightly in aluminum foil.
  5. Roast for 30–40 minutes or until the cloves become soft, golden, and fragrant.
  6. Allow the garlic to cool slightly before squeezing out the roasted cloves. Mash them into a smooth paste and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roasted Garlic Tzatziki

  1. Peel and grate ½ cucumber, then squeeze out excess moisture using a cheesecloth or paper towel.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine:
    • Greek yogurt
    • Grated cucumber
    • Mashed roasted garlic
    • Lemon juice
    • Fresh dill
    • Salt and black pepper
  3. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the tzatziki for added richness.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Feta-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
    • Ground chicken
    • Breadcrumbs
    • Red onion
    • Minced garlic
    • Chopped parsley and dill
    • Dried oregano
    • Lemon zest and juice
    • Lightly beaten egg
    • Salt and black pepper
  2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Do not overmix, as this may make the meatballs dense.
  3. Take a small portion of the mixture (about 1 ½ tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm.
  4. Place a small cube of feta cheese in the center.
  5. Gently wrap the chicken mixture around the feta, sealing it completely to form a smooth meatball.
  6. Repeat until all meatballs are formed.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan.
  3. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure an even golden-brown crust.
  4. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Once fully cooked, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

  1. Arrange the Feta-Stuffed Greek Chicken Meatballs on a serving platter.
  2. Serve alongside the roasted garlic tzatziki.
  3. Garnish with extra fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
  4. Pair with warm pita bread, a Greek salad, or lemon-herb rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Baking Alternative: If you prefer to bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18–20 minutes on a greased baking sheet. Turn them halfway through for even browning.
  • Storage Tip: Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.
  • Tzatziki Storage: Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

Nutrition

  • Calories: 280
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Protein: 26g

Keywords: #