Savory and Moist Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Welcome to a recipe that will revolutionize your dinner game – Juicy Chicken Meatballs. When it comes to creating flavorful, tender, and downright delicious meatballs, this recipe is an absolute game-changer. These Mediterranean-style chicken zucchini meatballs are a celebration of juicy goodness that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Picture this: succulent ground chicken mixed with shredded zucchini, a hint of lemon zest, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, all coming together to create the juiciest meatballs you’ve ever tasted. The best part? No need to drain the zucchini – its natural juices work their magic, ensuring each bite is moist and bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or an impressive dish to serve at your next gathering, these Juicy Chicken Meatballs are your answer. And with the option to freeze them for later, you can enjoy these delectable meatballs whenever the craving strikes. Get ready to elevate your meals and bring a touch of Mediterranean flair to your table with these unforgettable chicken meatballs.

Quick Benefits

• Retains moisture from zucchini for juicy meatballs
• Versatile dish suitable for quick family meals or dinner parties
• Freezer-friendly for convenient meal prep
• Elevates basic ingredients into a flavorful and nutritious meal

Why You’ll Love This Savory and Moist Chicken Meatballs Recipe Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The natural juices from the shredded zucchini keep the meatballs super moist and flavorful, making them perfect for a delicious meal.
• Versatile Dish: These meatballs are perfect for a variety of occasions, from quick family dinners to hosting dinner parties with friends, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
• Convenience at its Best: Make a larger batch and freeze half for a quick and easy meal at a later time. The freezing tip ensures that the meatballs don’t stick together, allowing for convenient meal prep.
• Elevated and Fancy: Transform plain ground chicken into a dish that feels both healthy and fancy, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to your table and elevating your dining experience.
• Family Bonding: Making these meatballs together can turn an ordinary dinner into a special moment, creating an opportunity for family bonding and shared memories in the kitchen.
• Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with protein-rich ingredients and veggies like zucchini, these meatballs offer a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste, making them a hit with both adults and kids.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of ingredients like feta, jalapeño, lemon peel, and fresh herbs brings a burst of flavor to each bite, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
• Heartwarming Tradition: Share the joy of cooking and enjoying these Mediterranean-style meatballs with your loved ones, and let this recipe become a cherished tradition in your family, bringing happiness and warmth to your dining table.

Ingredients for Savory and Moist Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Meatballs

• Some olive oil for cooking
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 2 tablespoons minced jalapeño (fresh)
• 1/2 cup feta, crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 cup panko crumbs
• 1 medium zucchini, shredded

Cucumber-Avocado Salad

• About 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons basil, dill, or mint (fresh)
• 1 big avocado, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Black pepper and kosher salt (to taste)
• 1 diced English cucumber

For Serving

• White rice (already cooked)
• Tzatziki sauce

Pro Tips for Savory and Moist Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Pro Tip 1: Embrace the natural moisture from the zucchini when making the meatballs. The juices help keep the meatballs soft and moist, even when reheated. This step not only saves time but also enhances the texture and flavor of the dish.

Pro Tip 2: Double the batch of meatballs and freeze half for future meals. Freezing the meatballs individually on a tray before storing them together prevents clumping and allows for easy portioning when you’re ready to enjoy them. This time-saving tip ensures you always have a delicious and healthy meal option on hand.

Pro Tip 3: Turn meal prep into a bonding experience by involving your family in making these Mediterranean-style chicken zucchini meatballs. It’s a great way to create special memories and bring everyone together in the kitchen. Enjoy the process of cooking together and savor the delicious end result as a shared meal.

How to Make Savory and Moist Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Make Meatball Mixture

Combine chicken, zucchini, breadcrumbs, feta, onion, herbs, and spices in a large bowl. Form mixture into 24 small meatballs.

Step 2: Cook Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until all sides are golden, for about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Salad

Combine avocado, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: Serve

Arrange the meatballs on a plate alongside rice, cucumber-avocado salad, and a spoonful of tzatziki. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh dill.

Storage Tips

After preparing and enjoying these Mediterranean-style chicken zucchini meatballs, you may want to store any leftovers for later consumption. To maintain their juiciness and flavor, it is best to refrigerate the meatballs in an airtight container once they have cooled down. Properly stored in the refrigerator, these meatballs can last for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.

If you wish to save some of these delicious meatballs for a longer period, consider freezing them for future enjoyment. To freeze the meatballs, place them on a tray in a single layer and freeze until firm to prevent sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a sealed container or freezer bag. Frozen meatballs can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw the meatballs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them as desired. Whether refrigerated or frozen, these Mediterranean-style chicken zucchini meatballs are a versatile and convenient dish to have on hand for quick and satisfying meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this Juicy Chicken Meatballs recipe, you can swap the ground chicken with ground turkey or even ground pork for a different flavor profile. If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, consider using a plant-based ground meat substitute like Beyond Meat or lentils for a meat-free option.

If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can substitute it with shredded carrots, chopped spinach, or even grated sweet potato to add moisture and extra nutrients to the meatballs. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different herbs and cheeses based on your preferences. For example, you could use parsley instead of dill, or swap the feta for goat cheese or Parmesan for a unique twist on the recipe. These substitutions can help you personalize the dish to suit your taste and dietary preferences while still maintaining the essence of Mediterranean flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these juicy chicken meatballs on a platter with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or mint for added flavor. For a complete meal, plate the meatballs over a bed of fluffy white rice mixed with cubed avocado, diced English cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. The combination of textures and flavors will elevate your dining experience, whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or hosting a dinner party with friends.

For a fun twist, try serving these Mediterranean-style chicken zucchini meatballs in mini pitas as sliders for a casual gathering or a picnic. Top each slider with a dollop of tzatziki sauce and a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite. These bite-sized treats are perfect for entertaining and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

FAQs for Savory and Moist Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Can I substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still work well with the other ingredients.

Can I omit the feta cheese to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can omit the feta cheese to make this recipe dairy-free. The meatballs will still be flavorful thanks to the other seasonings and ingredients.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of cooking them in a skillet?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs instead of cooking them in a skillet. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs in this recipe. Just remember to use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more potent in flavor.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Juicy Chicken Meatballs brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. The flavors of the Mediterranean shine through in every bite, making these meatballs a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, these protein-packed meatballs are sure to be a hit.

So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Juicy Chicken Meatballs and savor the delicious flavors that come together in each bite. From the juicy zucchini to the savory feta and fresh dill, these meatballs are a true delight for your taste buds. Enjoy the process of making them with your loved ones and create lasting memories around the dinner table. Here’s to many more delicious meals shared with those you care about, all centered around these Juicy Chicken Meatballs. Bon appétit!