Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these juicy and tender Mediterranean Diet Savory Chicken Meatballs. Made with lean ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, fragrant fresh herbs like parsley and mint, and a blend of warm spices including oregano and cumin, these meatballs are a deliciously healthy dinner option. A hint of lemon zest brightens the flavors, while a slight drizzle of olive oil ensures they stay moist and flavorful as they bake to golden perfection in the oven. Serve these protein-packed meatballs with a dollop of creamy Tzatziki sauce, a crisp Greek salad, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired meal thatβs perfect for weeknights or entertaining. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for anyone following a Mediterranean diet or simply seeking a nutritious, flavorful dish!
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Finely chop the small onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic, ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, chopped mint, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, egg, and breadcrumbs.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. You may use your hands or a spoon to ensure the mixture is uniformly blended.
Using slightly wet hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the meatballs to help them brown and retain moisture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C) indicates they are done.
Serve the meatballs warm with a side of Tzatziki sauce or your choice of Mediterranean accompaniments such as a Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
Calories |
1596 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 100.4 g | 129% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.0 g | 160% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 703 mg | 234% | |
| Sodium | 3485 mg | 152% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.9 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.1 g | ||
| Protein | 128.4 g | 257% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 720 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 12.7 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 3305 mg | 70% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.