Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Yogurt Sauce

 

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Yogurt Sauce

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Indulge in the savory, herby goodness of these Mediterranean-inspired chicken meatballs paired with a bright, creamy lemon yogurt sauce. It’s light yet satisfying, full of fresh flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 16 oz ground chicken

• ⅓ cup yogurt

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 2 tsp fresh or dried parsley

• 2 tsp fresh dill

• Zest of ½ lemon

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 2 tbsp crunchy crunchy garlic topping (or toasted breadcrumbs for texture)

• 1 large egg

• Salt, to taste

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup yogurt

• 2 tsp fresh or dried parsley

• 2 tsp fresh dill

• Zest of ½ lemon

• Juice of ½ lemon

For Serving:

• Fresh dill, for garnish

• Crunchy garlic topping

• Sliced cucumber and shallots

• Drizzle of olive oil

• Extra squeeze of lemon juice

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the meatballs
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, Greek yogurt, shallot, parsley, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic topping, egg, and salt. Mix until evenly combined, but don’t overwork the mixture.

Step 3: Shape and bake
Form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

Step 4: Make the yogurt sauce
While the meatballs bake, whisk together the Greek yogurt, parsley, dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust salt or lemon to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 5: Assemble and serve
Spread the lemon yogurt sauce on the bottom of a plate or shallow bowl. Arrange the baked meatballs on top. Garnish with fresh dill, sliced cucumber, shallots, a drizzle of olive oil, crunchy garlic topping, and a final squeeze of lemon.

Serve immediately — or refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

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💪 Nutrition Information (per serving)

(Estimated using USDA averages; values may vary slightly based on ingredients used)

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Notes & Tips

• For meal prep, double the recipe and store the meatballs separately from the yogurt sauce.

• Swap ground chicken for turkey or lamb for a heartier variation.

• Add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the meatballs for extra depth.

• Serve with a side of lemon rice, quinoa, or pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.