Baked Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Baked Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are flavorful and easy to make, combining tender ground chicken with classic Mediterranean herbs and tangy feta cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer, they bake quickly and finish with a light marinade sauce for extra moisture and taste.

The image shows a metal pan filled with many small round meatballs covered in sauce. The meatballs are golden brown with spots of red tomato sauce, and chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top. The pan rests on a round woven mat, placed on a white marbled surface, and a light blue cloth is partially visible behind the pan. The textures include the shiny smooth pan, the slightly rough surface of the meatballs, and the fresh, leafy herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Ground chicken (2.2 lb)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 80 g Bread crumbs (2 dl) (⅔ cup)
  • 85 g Feta cheese (3 oz)
  • 1 Onion
  • 2 Cloves Garlic (pressed)
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 1 tsp Piri piri (optional)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Dried spearmint (or 1 tbsp fresh)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, eggs, bread crumbs, crumbled feta, finely chopped onion, pressed garlic, oregano, thyme, piri piri (if using), salt, black pepper, and spearmint. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Roll the mixture into about 40 small meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 17 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.
  5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, heat some marinade sauce in a frying pan. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the pan and gently roll them around in the sauce to coat evenly. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Try substituting ground chicken with ground turkey or lamb for different flavors.
  • Use fresh herbs when possible for a brighter taste.
  • If you prefer spicier meatballs, increase the piri piri amount or add cayenne pepper.
  • Serve with tzatziki or a simple yogurt dip for a refreshing complement.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a frying pan with a splash of sauce or in a microwave until warmed through. These meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows several round, golden-brown meatballs with a slightly crispy texture on top. Each meatball has a light beige color with specks of herbs and seasoning visible throughout. They are placed closely together on a grey baking sheet. The surface around the meatballs shows a slightly greasy sheen from cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them raw for longer storage. Just bake them when ready.

What is the marinade sauce mentioned in the recipe?

The marinade sauce can be a simple Mediterranean-style sauce such as a tomato-based sauce or a lemon-olive oil dressing. It adds moisture and extra flavor when tossed with the baked meatballs.

Print

Baked Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe

These Baked Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy dish featuring ground chicken mixed with aromatic herbs, feta cheese, and spices. Baked to perfection and lightly coated in a savory marinade sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or main course inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.

  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: About 40 meatballs 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 kg Ground chicken (2.2 lb)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 80 g Bread crumbs (2 dl) (⅔ cup)
  • 85 g Feta cheese (3 oz)
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, pressed
  • 2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tsp Piri Piri (optional)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Dried Spearmint (or 1 tbsp fresh, finely chopped)

For Serving

  • Marinade sauce (quantity as needed for coating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking the meatballs evenly.
  2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, eggs, bread crumbs, crumbled feta, finely chopped onion, pressed garlic, oregano, thyme, piri piri (if using), salt, black pepper, and spearmint. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into approximately 40 evenly sized meatballs to ensure uniform cooking.
  5. Bake Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 17 minutes until cooked through and golden.
  6. Coat in Marinade Sauce: Heat some marinade sauce in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the baked meatballs and gently roll them in the sauce so they are lightly coated, enhancing their flavor and moisture.

Notes

  • Using ground chicken keeps the meatballs lean and healthy.
  • Feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy Mediterranean flavor.
  • The optional piri piri adds a mild spicy kick—adjust according to your preference.
  • You can serve these meatballs with a side of tzatziki or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the frying pan when coating meatballs in sauce to ensure even coverage.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken meatballs, baked meatballs, healthy chicken recipe, feta cheese meatballs, easy chicken dinner

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