Feta-Stuffed Greek Chicken Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Tzatziki 🧆🧄🇬🇷

Feta-Stuffed Greek Chicken Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Tzatziki 🧆🧄🇬🇷

These Feta-Stuffed Greek Chicken Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with melty feta cheese at their core—perfectly complemented by a creamy, garlicky roasted garlic tzatziki. This dish is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, combining fresh herbs, tangy feta, and zesty lemon for a meal that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving something wholesome yet indulgent, this recipe has got you covered.

Let’s dive into how to make these mouthwatering meatballs and their dreamy tzatziki sauce step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful & Juicy : The feta stuffing adds a burst of creaminess and tang to every bite.
2. Mediterranean Vibes : Fresh herbs, lemon, and roasted garlic bring authentic Greek-inspired flavors.
3. Versatile : Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or even in wraps or salads.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly : The tzatziki can be made ahead, and the meatballs reheat beautifully.
5. Crowd-Pleasing : Perfect for parties, gatherings, or family dinners—it’s a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 3 oz feta cheese , cut into small cubes
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill , chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular )
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking )
• 1 egg , lightly beaten
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley , chopped
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper , to taste

For the Roasted Garlic Tzatziki:

• 1 head garlic (whole )
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber , grated and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill , chopped
• Salt and black pepper , to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35 minutes until soft and golden.
3. Let the garlic cool, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, mashed roasted garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Drizzle with olive oil for extra richness.
4. Chill the tzatziki in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Make the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, fresh dill, parsley, lemon zest and juice, egg, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Take about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture, flatten it slightly, and place a cube of feta in the center.
3. Wrap the meat around the feta and roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture—you should have about 16–20 meatballs .

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the meatballs in batches for 10–12 minutes , turning occasionally to brown all sides. They’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) .
3. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the meatballs warm with a generous dollop of roasted garlic tzatziki on the side.
2. Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley if desired.
3. Enjoy as an appetizer, main dish, or stuffed into pita bread with fresh veggies!

Tips for Success

1. Drain the Cucumber Well : Removing excess moisture from the grated cucumber ensures the tzatziki stays thick and creamy.
2. Use Fresh Herbs : Fresh dill and parsley elevate the dish significantly compared to dried herbs.
3. Don’t Overcook the Meatballs : Chicken can dry out easily, so cook just until they reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Add Veggies : Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for a complete meal.
5. Make Ahead : Assemble the meatballs ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This Feta-Stuffed Greek Chicken Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Tzatziki pairs beautifully with:

• Pita Bread : Use the meatballs and tzatziki as fillings for warm pita sandwiches.
• Greek Salad : A classic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta complements the dish perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables : Roasted potatoes, carrots, or green beans add a hearty touch.
• Wine Pairing : Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 4 servings, including tzatziki)

• Calories : ~350 kcal
• Protein : ~28g
• Carbohydrates : ~15g
• Fat : ~20g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Feta-Stuffed Greek Chicken Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Tzatziki are a flavor-packed dish that brings the vibrant, fresh tastes of the Mediterranean to your table. With their juicy chicken exterior, melty feta center, and creamy tzatziki, they’re a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, main course, or part of a mezze platter, these meatballs are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.