Mediterranean Diet Chicken Meatballs

Mediterranean Diet Chicken Meatballs are a delicious alternative to the usual beef meatball.

These Mediterranean diet friendly meatballs are moist and flavorful featuring the flavors of Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon.

What are Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs?

These are meatballs that are made with ingredients (such as chicken, rather than beef) that are friendly to the Mediterranean diet.

I like that these meatballs can be served just as you would serve any other kind of meatball.

Did you try my recipe for Mediterranean Diet Cilantro Lime Chicken Breasts?

Those chicken breasts can be made with just six ingredients in about 20 minutes. Both this recipe for meatballs and that recipe for chicken breasts are healthier recipes that are friendly to the Mediterranean diet.

This recipe is made with panko style bread crumbs. You can find a selection of panko style bread crumbs here.

Why we love this recipe for meatballs.

Making this meatball recipe with chicken rather than beef is a healthier way to go for many of us. Chicken is lower in fat and calories according to the experts.

Here is what else we like about this recipe.

• Lemon zest adds a citrusy twist to this dish.
• The parmesan cheese helps to bind the ingredients together and flavor these meatballs with a hint of Mediterranean flavoring.
• These meatballs are versatile and can be served nicely with pasta or as an appetizer at a gathering such as a party.
• This recipe is quick and easy.
• Also, these meatballs can be made in an over or on a stovetop.
• These meatballs made with chicken are a simple recipe to make and they taste amazing!

Ingredients needed to make meatballs made with chicken.

Feel free to adjust the seasonings as desired.

• Ground Chicken. Any part of the chicken can work however, the thighs will make for more moist meatballs while the breasts will be leaner. Your chicken should not be frozen.
• Seasonings. Italian seasonings.
• Panko Breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs are used to add structure to the meatballs and to help hold the ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese. Grated parmesan is added for for a rich nutty flavor Mediterranean flavor and to help hold ingredients together.
• Egg. This is really an essential ingredient as it used for binding ingredients together.
• Garlic. Your garlic should be minced.
• Lemon Zest. Added for flavor balance.
• Olive Oil. Used for cooking this recipe in a skillet. Omit for oven baking.

Tips for making the best meatballs made with chicken.

For meatballs that are more moist, use thigh meat or meat that is around 93% lean.

More helpful tips for you.

1. While my meatballs were made with chicken, another ground poultry, such as turkey, can also work in this recipe.
2. Make this recipe vegan by using a ground meat alternative instead of chicken and using a vegan egg as a binder.
3. Italian seasonings were used to give these meatballs a 'Mediterranean' flavor. Feel free to swap the seasonings out for another flavor such as Mexican.
4. To add moisture to ground chicken breast you can add a half tablespoon or so of olive oil.
5. It is always best to cook or bake chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 according to the USDA.
6. Avoid over-cooking or baking these meatballs as doing so can make them too dry.
7. These meatballs can be frozen before baking or cooking, which is nice if you want to split this recipe.

How to make Mediterranean Diet Chicken Meatballs

Prep Time: 10 minutes.
Cook Time: 20 minutes (depending on method).
Yield: 4 servings

1. To form the meatballs, combine together the ingredients (ground chicken, seasonings, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, and lemon zest) in a large bowl. Make sure that you combine the ingredients well. Then use a medium sized cookie scoop to scoop out the ingredients and roll the ingredients into a golf ball sized ball.
2. For the oven baked method: line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper that has been lightly sprayed, and preheat your oven to 400. Place the formed meatballs on the baking sheet and bake until browned and cooked through (about 20 minutes).
3. Skillet method, preheat your skillet on medium-high heat with the olive oil. Then add the meatballs and cook, stirring or rotating them every three to three and a half minutes. Cook until browned and cooked through (10-15 minutes). Then transfer the meatballs to a stack of clean paper towels to drain.
4. Let the meatballs cool a few minutes before serving. You can serve them with lemon slices like mine for an even more lemony flavor.

Expert Tip 👉 For best results, I like to use my hands to combine ingredients together in the first step of this recipe. You can wear food-grade gloves if needed.

How to store chicken meatballs.

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container. When properly stored, they should keep for about three days refrigerated or frozen for up to a few months.

You may also be interested in these ideas.

• Mediterranean Diet Gnocchi with Tomatoes
• Mediterranean Diet Chicken Breast Provencal
• Mediterranean Diet Lemon Honey Chicken Breast
• Mediterranean Diet Israeli Couscous Salad
• Mediterranean Diet Apple and Feta Salad
• Mediterranean Diet Mug Cake- Olive Oil

Print the recipe for Mediterranean Diet Chicken Meatballs

Mediterranean Diet Chicken Meatballs, a delicious and easy meal or appetizer recipe made with ground chicken and seasonings.

Please see recipe post for further details on this recipe.