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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice off the top of a whole head of garlic, exposing the tops of the cloves.
- Drizzle olive oil over the garlic, ensuring it seeps into the cloves.
- Wrap the garlic head tightly in aluminum foil.
- Roast for 30–40 minutes or until the cloves become soft, golden, and fragrant.
- 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
- Peel and grate ½ cucumber, then squeeze out excess moisture using a cheesecloth or paper towel.
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Greek yogurt
- Grated cucumber
- Mashed roasted garlic
- Lemon juice
- Fresh dill
- Salt and black pepper
- Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tzatziki for added richness.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Feta-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs
- 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
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Do not overmix, as this may make the meatballs dense.
- Take a small portion of the mixture (about 1 ½ tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a small cube of feta cheese in the center.
- Gently wrap the chicken mixture around the feta, sealing it completely to form a smooth meatball.
- Repeat until all meatballs are formed.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure an even golden-brown crust.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once fully cooked, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Arrange the Feta-Stuffed Greek Chicken Meatballs on a serving platter.
- Serve alongside the roasted garlic tzatziki.
- Garnish with extra fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
- 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
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