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Greek Chicken Meatballs (Greek-Style Bowls With Tzatziki)

greek-chicken-meatballs-(greek-style-bowls-with-tzatziki)

These fresh Greek-style bowls are a healthy and delicious recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights and fancy enough for dinner parties. The feature here is Greek Chicken Meatballs that get served over bowls of crisp lettuce greens, cooked rice or orzo, quick marinated veggies, and a delicious creamy drizzle of dairy-free Tzatziki sauce. You can make portions of the recipe ahead of time, if desired, or assemble it start to finish in less than 40 minutes. 

Overhead view Greek bowl of greens, rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, chicken meatballs and topped with tzatziki sauce.

This post was created in partnership with Good Foods.

Recipe Highlights: New Recipes For Dinner

There is a lot to love about these fresh Greek-style bowls, including: 

  • A healthful mix of real-food ingredients – it’s all-around good for you
  • Quick to make for weeknight dinners and meal prep lunches, and also beautiful and impressive for dinner parties
  • Convenient and quick to make with a store-bought plant-based Tzatziki style dip
  • A great balance of healthful protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as many other micronutrients and antioxidants
  • A recipe that’s naturally gluten free and can be easily modified to be dairy free

Mediterranean Bowls Featuring Greek Chicken Meatballs

The Mediterranean Diet, which includes so many fresh Greek foods, is consistently ranked one of the healthiest diets in the world. This style of eating emphasizes a lot of fresh produce, healthful fats (from foods like olives, olive oil, and avocados), and lean proteins. With all those qualities in mind, we created this recipes for fresh and bright Mediterranean Bowls that feature the most delicious and tender Greek Chicken Meatballs over a Greek salad made from fresh green, a quick marinated veggie relish, cooked rice, a convenient and healthy store-bought tzatziki sauce, plus lemon wedges and briny feta cheese. Not only are these Greek Bowls so good for you, but this recipe is also appealing to the eye (so many bright colors) and fun to eat, as well!

All ingredients for Greek chicken meatballs and salad bowls arranged in small bowls.

Ingredients to Make Greek Chicken Meatball Bowls

Here’s what you’ll need to make these fresh Mediterranean-style meatball bowls today: 

  • Ground chickenmay also use ground lamb or ground beef, or use ground turkey to make turkey meatballs 
  • Tzatziki sauce – these bowls come together quickly and are so delicious when made with Good Foods Tzatziki-style Dip. This creamy dip is 100% plant-based and made from a base of cauliflower, fresh herbs, and cucumber – you’ll love the freshness it adds! Use this store locator to find Good Foods sold near you 
  • Red onion you’ll use red onion in both the meatballs themselves and the finished bowls
  • Garlic cloves – may sub 1 teaspoon garlic powder 
  • Lemon – you’ll use lemon zest in the meatballs and also serve lemon wedges for squeezing fresh lemon juice over the bowls to add brightness and acidity
  • Cucumbers – we recommend Persian (or mini cucumbers), but you can also use hot house or English cucumbers 
  • Tomatoes
  • Lettuce – we like romaine lettuce, but you can use any favorite greens
  • Rice – use cooked rice or orzo pasta; may sub cauliflower rice for grain-free or a low-carb version 
  • Kalamata olives – these add a wonderful brininess and give these Greek bowls a more authentic taste  
  • Feta cheese 
  • Olive oil
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Fresh herbs the fresh herbs in these bowls add wonderful flavor. You’ll use fresh dill and fresh mint, or you can use the dried form of these herbs; may sub fresh parsley for the fresh mint
  • Seasonings – you’ll need fine salt, black pepper, and dried oregano

Find the ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Ingredient Spotlight: Plant-Based Tzatziki

You’ll be blown away by the fresh taste and bright dill flavor in the Plant-Based Tzatziki Style Dip by Good Foods that we use in this recipe. This store-bought creamy dip is sold in the refrigerated case and it’s made from a base of cauliflower, nuts, fresh herbs, and cucumber. We promise it will become your new go-to Tzatziki, and It tastes so great when paired with these Greek Chicken Meatball Bowls, providing that creamy finishing touch that will have everyone licking their bowl. We love that this dip contains zero trans fats and zero grams of added sugars (it’s made from all real-food ingredients that you can pronounce and want to eat).

Find Good Foods Tzatziki Sold Near You

How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs With Tzatziki Sauce

Here are the quick steps to make these fresh Greek-style dinner bowls today:

  1. Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced red onion, 2 cloves garlic, lemon zest, dill, and oregano. Use your clean hands to stir and mix the ingredients right in the mixing bowl until well combined, and then form the meatball mixture into 16 rounds
  2. Cook the meatballs: You can cook the chicken meatballs in an air fryer, on the stovetop in a skillet, or in the oven. Read below for our instructions for each of these quick methods. While the meatballs are cooking, move on to prep the bowl ingredients. 
  3. Mix the marinated veggies: Create a Greek salad of marinated veggies by combining the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, olives, and mint with the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl 
  4. Assemble the bowls: Into individual bowls, layer the chopped romaine lettuce, rice (or orzo or cauliflower rice), the marinated veggies, and the cooked meatballs. Top servings with a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce (such as the Good Foods brand or make homemade tzatziki sauce from a base of Greek yogurt) and top with feta cheese and lemon wedges.
Ingredients for Greek chicken meatballs in stone bowl ready to be mixed together
Greek chicken meatballs browned in cast iron skillet.
Cucumbers, tomatoes, and kalamata olives mixed into salad in white bowl

For the complete directions and ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card below. All of our recipes include complete nutrition information, listing calories, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, sodium, cholesterol, and more per serving.

Tip!

3 Ways To Cook Greek Chicken Meatballs

The meatballs in this recipe come together quickly, and you could even make them ahead of time for quick-assembly dinner bowls. When it comes to cooking the meatballs, you have several cooking methods you could use, and all of these result in tender, delicious meatballs: 

  1. Air Fryer Meatballs: Cook the meatballs in the basket of a 400-degree air fryer, working in batches, as needed. Air fry for 4 minutes, then turn over each meatball and air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  2. Skillet Meatballs: Heat some avocado oil in a large skillet and cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes per side, then turn the meatballs over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. 
  3. Baked Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a 400-degree oven for 14-18 minutes. 

Always cook chicken meatball recipes until the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F when registered on a meat thermometer. See the recipe card below for complete directions on how to cook the meatballs in any of these methods.

Close up view Greek salad bowl with chicken meatballs, topped with tzatziki sauce and fresh mint and dill leaves.

Are Greek Bowls Good For You? 

These Greek-style bowls are a healthy and nutrient-rich recipe for lunch or dinner. Here are some nutrition highlights: 

  • Chicken Meatballs – made from lean ground chicken, these homemade meatballs are high in protein, naturally gluten free, and full of flavor from everyday seasonings 
  • Marinated Veggies – chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and fresh mint get tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh mint. This forms a type of Greek salad that adds a fresh pop of flavor to the bowls, as well as a great amount of potassium and vitamin C
  • Plant-Based Tzatziki Sauce – you get even more veggie goodness when you top these bowls with Good Foods Tzatziki Style Dip, which is made from a base of cauliflower, almonds, cashews, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, and chia protein.

Unlike other chicken meatball recipes, this one doesn’t call for any breadcrumbs, panko, or flour, so it is naturally gluten free.

It’s easy to make these Greek Bowls dairy-free, if needed. Since we’ve used Good Foods Plant-Based Tzatziki Sauce, which is creamy and delicious and also 100% vegan, then the tzatziki is already dairy free. Additionally, you’ll need to omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta cheese instead.

To make these Greek Meatballs Bowls grain free and Paleo friendly, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice in the bowls. Also, opt for Good Foods Plant-Based Tzatziki sauce, and omit the feta cheese.

Overhead view Greek bowl topped with chicken meatballs and tzatziki sauce in stone bowl

More Greek Recipes You’ll Love

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients in Greek Chicken Meatballs?

The ingredients in the Greek Chicken Meatball recipe are ground chicken, minced onion (may sub onion powder), garlic (may sub garlic powder), lemon zest, dill, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe can be partially prepped ahead of time for a dinner that comes together super quick. For make-ahead components, we suggest that you form and cook the meatballs up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the oven or in a skillet on the stovetop. You can also cook the rice up to 2 days ahead of time and prep the marinated veggies up to 4 hours in advance.

How should I serve the chicken meatballs?

Our favorite way to serve these Greek chicken meatballs is bowl style, as we’ve shown here. We think they taste so fresh and pair beautifully with the marinated veggies and crispy romaine lettuce, while also providing well-rounded nutrition (healthy carbs, protein, and fats). You could also serve the meatballs as an appetizer along with the Good Foods Tzatziki Sauce and some veggies (such as red pepper strips and snap peas) for dipping. These meatballs would also be delicious served with hummus and pita bread wedges.

Can the meatballs be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, you can quickly cook the Greek chicken meatball recipe in an air fryer. See the recipe card below for the air fryer temperature and cook time.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store any remaining marinated vegetables in a covered container in the fridge and store other bowl ingredients (lettuce, cooked rice, feta) in separate containers, too.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb. ground chicken (may sub ground lamb, turkey, or beef)
  • 3 tablespoons minced red onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or ¾ teaspoon dried dill)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowls:

  • 1 cup thinly sliced Persian (mini) cucumbers
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved (~6 ounces)
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • ⅓ cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced 
  • 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon fine salt plus more to taste
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 4 heaping handfuls chopped romaine lettuce
  • 3 cups cooked rice (may sub cooked orzo or cauliflower rice)
  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup Good Foods Tzatziki Dip*
  • 1 medium lemon, cut into wedges

  1. In a medium bowl combine the ground chicken, red onion, garlic, lemon zest, dill, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine (or use your hands to combine). 
  2. Divide the mixture into 16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball with damp hands. Proceed with the meatball cooking method of choice below (air fryer, skillet, or oven).
  3. While the meatballs are cooking, assemble the bowls. To a medium bowl, add the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, olives, and mint. To the same bowl, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine then taste, adding more salt and pepper as needed.
  4. To each of 4 serving bowls, place a large handful of lettuce, ¾ cup cooked rice, ⅓ cup of the tomato-cucumber mixture, and 4 cooked meatballs to each bowl. Sprinkle with feta cheese and top off each bowl with 2 tablespoons of Tzatziki sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.

To Cook The Meatballs: You can cook the meatballs in several ways, using any of the methods below.

Air Fryer Directions:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, spacing them out so they don’t touch (you may need to work in batches). 
  2. Air fry the meatballs until cooked through, 7-8 minutes, and until they register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Turning meatballs halfway through cooking time for even browning. 

Skillet Directions:

  1. Place a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet. 
  2. Add the chicken meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes on one side. Turn the meatballs over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes and until they reach an internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Oven Directions: 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Place meatballs in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 14-18 minutes and until they register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.

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Notes

* We love this store-bought Tzatziki Style Dip from Good Foods because it’s made with 100% real-food ingredients. It’s a plant-based and gluten-free dip made from a base of cauliflower, almonds, cashews, cucumbers, and fresh herbs (and it’s so full of great fresh dill flavor)! Find it in the refrigerated case at stores near you with this store locator.

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (1 cup greens, 3/4 cup rice, 4 meatballs, 1/4 of the veggies, 1 1/2 tbsp feta, and 2 tbsp Tzatziki)
  • Calories: 404
  • Fat: 13 g
  • (Sat Fat: 3 g)
  • Sodium: 956 mg
  • Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • (Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 4 g)
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 86 mg

Dietary

© The Real Food Dietitians

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Greek chicken meatballs served over salad and rice with cucumber, tomatoes, kalamata olives and tzatziki sauce.

This post was made possible by Good Foods. Although we received compensation for this post, the opinions expressed here are – as always – 100% our own. Thank you for supporting the great companies we work with thereby allowing us to continue creating great recipes and content for you.

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Jessie Shafer

Jessie Shafer

Jessie is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist living near Denver, CO where she splits her time among nearby playgrounds, typing away at her trusty laptop, and heating up her home kitchen with delicious experiments. Her best taste tester is her husband, a Denver firefighter with a well-trained palate. A former magazine editor-in-chief, Jessie has a long career in food publishing and health writing. While she once played centerfield for the Northwestern University softball team, Jessie now prefers her fitness in the way of biking up mountain passes and chasing two busy toddlers (the latter proving to be the more exhausting activity).

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