Description
Mediterranean chicken meatballs bring a delightful fusion of herbs, spices, and zesty flavors to your dinner table. Packed with aromatic ingredients and easy to prepare, these tender morsels will transport you to sunny coastal landscapes with one delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
Herbs and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Serving Accompaniments:
- Pita bread or naan
- Cooked couscous or rice
- Tzatziki sauce
- Fresh vegetables (e.g., cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion)
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately amalgamate ground chicken with aromatic herbs, spices, breadcrumbs, and binding elements. Employ gentle hand techniques or a fork to incorporate ingredients, maintaining a light touch to preserve the meatballs’ delicate texture.
- Utilizing moistened palms, carefully sculpt the protein mixture into uniform spherical portions approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Ensure consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Prepare a large skillet by warming olive oil over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface. Strategically arrange meatballs in a non-crowded configuration, allowing each morsel sufficient space for thorough caramelization.
- Execute precise culinary choreography by rotating meatballs periodically, developing a rich golden-brown exterior. Monitor internal temperature, ensuring complete protein transformation reaching the safe 165°F threshold.
- Once achieving optimal doneness, transfer Mediterranean delicacies to a serving platter accompanied by complementary Mediterranean accoutrements – soft pita bread, fluffy couscous, cooling tzatziki, and crisp seasonal vegetables.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance visual appeal and introduce a final layer of aromatic complexity to this vibrant protein preparation.
Notes
- Use cold, wet hands when shaping meatballs to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, uniform shapes.
- Opt for lean ground chicken breast to reduce fat content while maintaining a light, tender texture.
- Experiment with alternative herbs like mint or za’atar to add unexpected Mediterranean flavor complexity.
- Prepare meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to let flavors meld and enhance overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg