Greek Chicken Meatballs
To remedy this situation, some friends and I occasionally travel for the holiday – two years ago I was in Savannah, and last year I was in New Orleans.
These trips were both great fun, but again – New Years Eve itself? Let’s just say the bar that we were at on Bourbon Street totally failed.
The band that was playing (and that was supposed to do the countdown to midnight) totally missed midnight! We eyed our watches as it became 12:01…then 12:02.
At around 12:06, the singer realized her error and started doing the whole countdown thing, hoping nobody would notice the moment had really passed. Seriously, lady?
L-a-m-e. I really believe the best part about New Years Eve is the fun snacks. Even if it’s just Jeff and I on the couch with our pooch, we drink champagne or rosemary gin cocktails, and eat party food for dinner.
Chicken wings, wonton cups, chips and dip, gyro pizza – whatever strikes us, really. And MEATBALLS are a NYE must.
I love Greek food so much, but my Greek lasagna might not be what everybody is looking for in January.
But, these Greek chicken meatballs will fit in with whatever crazy resolution you might be striking the next morning. I know NYE is a ways away, so feel free to have these for dinner (with a side of Greek yogurt mashed potatoes) before that.
Or, you could make them for a holiday get-together – they’re easily kept warm in a slow-cooker with a bit of chicken broth in the bottom.
Psst – just like my air fryer turkey meatballs, these chicken meatballs can be air fried, too!
Greek Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup minced white onion
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound ground chicken
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Garnishes:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Finely chopped English cucumber
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray rimmed baking pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir together garlic, egg, onion, breadcrumbs, oregano, mint and salt. Add chicken and stir (or mix with hands) until just combined. Do not overmix. Using hands, gently form into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on prepared baking pan.
- Bake meatballs 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Meanwhile, prepare Yogurt Sauce: In small bowl, stir together all ingredients.
- Garnish meatballs with feta and cucumber; serve with Yogurt Sauce.
MORE TASTY GREEK-INSPIRED RECIPES:
- Greek Chicken Marinade – juicy, succulent chicken every time!
- Greek Chicken Fried Rice – would be amazing if you started with marinated chicken!
- Melomakarona – a classic honey & spice cookie for Christmas.
- Greek Shrimp Bruschetta – shrimp and crusty bread, yum!
- Greek Butter Cookies from This Delicious House
- Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna) from The Hungry Bluebird
Genius! Great lunch or appetizer and amazing to bring with you to all those functions this holiday season.
Thanks so much, Jane! I might be sending these with my husband for one of his works potlucks this month 🙂
This is 100% the type of party food I love to serve. Healthy and Yummy. Love the Greek twist, and I agree totally about NYE failing most of the time. We’re having a party of our own this year to make sure we have fun.
Great idea, Katie! I think making your own party at home is the only way to guarantee a non-lame time. haha.
These look divine! I am a sucker for a good meatball! And, yes, New Year’s Eve is usually a disappointment when going out. Wait – we have five kids (ages 6 – 23) so do I even remember ever going out on NYE? HA! Actually, we HAVE gotten a sitter once or twice through the years to go out that night, but we end up missing the kids and wishing we were home celebrating the moment with them. So, it’s always lots of good snacks and apps for us, confetti poppers and some good movies. 🙂
Sounds like you have the right idea, Angela! Staying home is so much better than going to some stupid party at a bar or something! Call me an old lady, but I don’t mind 🙂
They like to lay right up against me pinning me in so I can’t move for fear of disturbing them. I end up falling asleep before the stroke of midnight, the pugs don’t care if they get a New Years kiss. LOL!
Haha, so cute. Snuggly dogs are the best 🙂
Last year, I tried to throw together a last minute NYE party. No one showed up, but it was the most fun I’ve had ringing in the new year! It was just me and my boyfriend, slow cooker chili, beer, and a fire pit. So relaxed and so fun.
I agree that snack foods are a must! I planned on stocking up on chips, but maybe I’ll try to make something fun this year. You’ve inspired me. 🙂
Sounds like a great NYE to me, Holly! I forgot to mention the beer part of the event, but that’s critical 🙂
YUM!
I love healthy finger food! These look so tasty and delicious 🙂
Thanks so much, Julie, and thank you for stopping by 🙂
I am with you about New Year’s Eve. I have rarely gone to parties and am perfectly happy to be home with my husband. Guess we’re not party people. This recipe sounds great, even for those of us who don’t go to parties.
Thanks, Susan! Enjoy your cozy NYE at home with your husband! I’ll be going out to dinner with a few friends, but nothing crazy. Will probably end up at somebody’s home to ring in the new year.
Yum, love the meatballs, Greek food is delicious. Totally with you on the NYE thing, used to go out every New Year Eve, always afterwards I would proclaim I wouldn’t do it again, well now I don’t. An evening with the pugs warm on my couch is my favorite way to celebrate.
Sounds like a great evening to me! Do your pugs lay on top of you like my dog does? She’s about 45 pounds now, but thinks she’s a lap dog 🙂
These would also be great in a wrap, love them!!!
Great idea, Tara. Thank you!
Holy smokes what an awesome idea. I’m making these. Like, today.
Thanks Karen! Enjoy!
made them into a wrap for lunch!! so tasty!! thank you! 🙂
Oh, YUM, Sarah! That looks so great. So glad they turned out well for you!
Absolutely LOVE this idea! I think I’ll try this!
Awesome, enjoy Sophia!