Description
Savory Mediterranean chicken meatballs combine aromatic herbs with lean protein for a delightful culinary experience. Herb-infused and perfectly seasoned, these meatballs offer you a taste of Mediterranean comfort that delights and satisfies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh dill
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Pita bread or naan
- Cooked couscous or rice
- Tzatziki sauce
- Fresh vegetables (e.g., cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion)
Instructions
- Blend Mixture: Gently combine ground chicken with herbs, breadcrumbs, spices, and binding ingredients, mixing delicately to maintain a light, tender texture.
- Shape Meatballs: With dampened hands, form uniform spherical portions roughly 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Sear and Cook: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully arranging meatballs to allow proper caramelization. Rotate periodically to develop a golden-brown crust and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Plate and Garnish: Transfer perfectly cooked meatballs to a serving platter, surrounding them with warm pita bread, fluffy couscous, cool tzatziki, and crisp seasonal vegetables. Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill for a vibrant finishing touch that elevates the Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- Prevent Dense Texture: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the chicken mixture to maintain a light, tender meatball consistency.
- Moisture Control: Add a splash of olive oil or Greek yogurt to prevent dryness and enhance the meatballs’ succulence during cooking.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety without overcooking and maintaining juiciness.
- Flexible Cooking Methods: Alternative preparation techniques like baking or air frying work perfectly, offering healthier options with consistent golden-brown results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg