Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

You know that moment when you bite into something so flavorful and fresh it practically transports you to a sunny Greek island? Well, that’s exactly what happens with these Greek chicken meatballs and homemade tzatziki sauce. The first time I made this recipe, the vibrant mix of herbs and the cool, creamy cucumber yogurt felt like a little vacation on my plate. Plus, they’re light, juicy, and packed with that bright Mediterranean zing that makes you want to dig in for seconds—maybe even thirds. Trust me, once you try making your own tzatziki, you’ll never go back to store-bought. It’s ridiculously easy and totally worth the extra few minutes.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated onion (about half a small onion)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional but highly recommended!)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce / Garnish (Homemade Tzatziki):

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat is best for creaminess)
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp olive oil (optional, for drizzle)

How I Make It

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, salt, pepper, and the egg. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.

Step 2:

Shape the mixture into roughly 1 ½-inch meatballs, about 16 meatballs total. Don’t worry about being perfect—rustic shapes are charming and hold together fine.

Step 3:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully, leaving a bit of space between each. Cook for about 7 minutes, turning gently halfway through, until all sides are nicely browned.

Step 4:

Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 6–8 minutes to ensure the meatballs are cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5:

While the meatballs cook, make the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure excess water is squeezed out to avoid watery sauce), garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well and taste—adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 6:

Serve the warm meatballs alongside a generous dollop of tzatziki, drizzled with a little olive oil if you like. Garnish with extra fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color.

Variations & Tips

• Use ground turkey or lamb instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Mix in a bit of crumbled feta cheese into the meatballs for extra tang and moisture.
• If breadcrumbs aren’t handy, crushed pita chips or oats work well as substitutes.
• Don’t skip squeezing the cucumber for the tzatziki—too much moisture will make the sauce runny.
• For oven baking, place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway.
• Fresh herbs make a big difference here, especially dill and parsley, so use them generously!

How I Like to Serve It

I love serving these meatballs on a warm pita, topped with extra cucumbers, tomatoes, and a drizzle of tzatziki, for a casual lunch or dinner. They’re perfect with a bright Greek salad on the side or over a bed of fluffy couscous in spring and summer. When the weather’s cooler, I pile them on rice with roasted veggies—comfort food with a Mediterranean twist!

Notes

• Store leftover meatballs and tzatziki separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat meatballs gently in a skillet or microwave to keep them juicy; tzatziki is best served cold or at room temperature.

Closing: This recipe is one of those easy, everyday dishes that never fails to impress—flavorful, fresh, and downright delicious every single time.