Baked Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Baked Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Packed with herbs, feta, and a hint of spice, they make a perfect appetizer or main dish. Baking keeps them tender and juicy without extra oil.

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 oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp piri piri (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried spearmint (or 1 tbsp fresh spearmint)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your 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, chopped onion, pressed garlic, oregano, thyme, piri piri (if using), salt, black pepper, and spearmint. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into about 40 small meatballs, placing 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: Warm some marinade sauce in a frying pan, then add the baked meatballs and toss gently to coat them with the sauce, just enough for flavor to stick.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred.
• Serve with tzatziki or a simple yogurt sauce for extra creaminess.
• If you like spice, increase the amount of piri piri or add chili flakes.
• Make the meatballs slightly larger to serve as main portions.

Storage

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little sauce or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through. They also freeze well; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and freeze them raw on a baking sheet before transferring to a container. Bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What marinade sauce works best with these meatballs?

A simple tomato-based marinade with herbs, garlic, and olive oil complements the Mediterranean flavors well. You can also use a yogurt and lemon sauce for a lighter option.

Baked Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 108 reviews

These Baked Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and healthy dish combining ground chicken with fragrant herbs, feta cheese, and a hint of spice. Perfectly baked to tender, juicy perfection and finished with a delicious marinade sauce, they offer a delightful Mediterranean twist on a classic favorite.

• Author: Lila
• 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 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 kg Ground chicken (2.2 lb)
• 2 Eggs
• 80 g Bread crumbs (⅔ cup, 2 dl)
• 85 g Feta cheese (3 oz)
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 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 spearmint)

Marinade Sauce

• Marinade sauce (quantity as desired for coating after baking, recipe not specified)

Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare it for baking the meatballs.
2. Line: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
3. Mix: 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 all the ingredients thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
4. Roll: Shape the mixture into approximately 40 small meatballs, about the size of a walnut, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
5. Bake: Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 17 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned.
6. Add Sauce: Heat your preferred marinade sauce in a frying pan over medium heat. Once warm, add the baked chicken meatballs and gently toss them in the sauce just long enough to coat them, allowing the flavors to meld without overcooking.

Notes

• Feel free to use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant flavor.
• The piri piri is optional and can be adjusted according to your spice tolerance.
• If you do not have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking tray to prevent sticking.
• Ensure meatballs are cooked thoroughly by checking that their internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
• You can serve these with a side of tzatziki, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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