Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped shallot
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly whisked
- 2/3 cup plain or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Tzatziki Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated or finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped oregano, mint, dill, crumbled feta cheese, chopped shallot, minced garlic, lightly whisked egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon zest, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Using about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture per meatball, roll into evenly sized balls and place them on the prepared sheet pan, spacing them out evenly.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 16-20 minutes until cooked through. Use a digital thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While the meatballs bake, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, chopped mint, chopped dill, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked, serve them warm alongside the fresh tzatziki dipping sauce for a delicious Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- The digital thermometer ensures the meatballs are safely cooked without drying out.
- For best results, use fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
- Plain or panko breadcrumbs work interchangeably, but panko yields a lighter texture.
- The tzatziki sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated to develop flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
