Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl has become my go-to weeknight meal when I crave something vibrant and satisfying, without spending hours in the kitchen. I first discovered this incredible Greek chicken meatballs recipe at a local Mediterranean spot, and the aroma of lemon and herbs instantly transported me to a sunny Greek island. The tender, flavorful meatballs paired with fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and that cool tzatziki sauce were just divine. It’s truly an easy Greek chicken meatballs bowl that tastes like you’ve put in so much effort, but I promise it’s surprisingly simple. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl
- It’s an Easy Greek chicken meatballs bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- You get a burst of fresh, Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
- The combination of tender meatballs, fluffy rice, and cool tzatziki is incredibly satisfying.
- It’s a genuinely Healthy Greek chicken meatballs bowl, packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
- Prep is minimal, making it a stress-free meal to assemble.
- The vibrant colors make it as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
- Leftovers are fantastic, making it great for meal prep.
Greek Chicken Meatball Bowl Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that authentic flavor in this Greek chicken meatball bowl. You’ll need:
- 500 g ground chicken – I prefer using ground chicken for a lighter, healthier option than beef.
- 60 g red onion, finely chopped – This adds a subtle sweetness and bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that classic savory base.
- 15 g fresh dill, chopped – Dill brings a bright, herbaceous freshness that’s crucial for Greek flavors.
- 10 g fresh mint, chopped – Mint adds another layer of cool, aromatic complexity.
- 2 tsp Greek seasoning – This blend usually includes oregano, thyme, and other Mediterranean herbs.
- 1 tsp sea salt – To enhance all the flavors.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper – For a touch of warmth.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for pan – Extra virgin olive oil is perfect for both the meatballs and for cooking, giving it that wonderful Mediterranean chicken meatballs bowl aroma.
- 240 g cooked basmati rice – The fluffy base for our bowl.
- 100 g Persian cucumber, sliced – For a refreshing crunch.
- 100 g cherry tomatoes, halved – Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
- 50 g Kalamata olives, pitted – These briny olives are a hallmark of Greek cuisine.
- 50 g feta cheese, crumbled – The salty, tangy cheese ties everything together perfectly.
- 80 g tzatziki sauce – For that creamy, garlicky coolness.
- Lemon wedges, for serving – A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens all the flavors.
- Pita bread or pita chips, optional – For scooping up every last bit!
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs
Ready to whip up this amazing Greek chicken meatballs bowl? It’s simpler than you think! We’ll start with the stars of the show: the meatballs.
- Step 1: In a large bowl, it’s time to get your hands dirty! Combine the 500 g ground chicken with the 60 g finely chopped red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 15 g chopped fresh dill, and 10 g chopped fresh mint. Add in the 2 tsp Greek seasoning, 1 tsp sea salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Finally, drizzle in 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix everything thoroughly until it’s all beautifully incorporated. I find using my hands is the best way to ensure everything is evenly distributed, creating the most flavorful base for these meatballs.
- Step 2: Now, let’s form those meatballs. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture for each meatball and gently roll them into uniform balls. You want them to be about the same size so they cook evenly. Place the formed meatballs on a clean tray. This step is crucial for even cooking, ensuring you get that perfect texture for your chicken souvlaki meatballs bowl.
- Step 3: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully arrange the meatballs in a single layer. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan, so cook in batches if necessary. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, rotating them occasionally, until they are beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage is incredible! Once cooked, remove them to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep them warm and juicy.
- Step 4: Let’s assemble your bowls! Divide the 240 g cooked basmati rice among your serving bowls. Artfully arrange the 100 g sliced Persian cucumber, 100 g halved cherry tomatoes, and 50 g pitted Kalamata olives around the rice. Place the freshly cooked chicken meatballs on top, then garnish generously with the 50 g crumbled feta cheese and a good dollop of 80 g tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side and some warm pita bread or chips if you like. This is how you master how to make Greek chicken meatballs!
Pro Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl
I’ve learned a few tricks over time to make these meatballs truly shine and ensure your bowl is top-notch:
- Don’t overwork the meat mixture. Mix just until everything is combined to keep the meatballs tender and not tough.
- Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the meatballs. This gives them a beautiful crust and prevents sticking.
- For extra flavor, toast your Greek seasoning blend lightly in a dry pan before adding it to the mixture.
- Taste the raw meatball mixture (yes, really!) before forming and cooking to adjust salt and seasoning if needed.
What’s the secret to perfect Greek chicken meatballs?
The real secret to an authentic Greek chicken meatballs bowl lies in the fresh herbs – dill and mint are non-negotiable! They provide that signature bright, refreshing flavor that makes these meatballs so special. Don’t skimp on them!
Can I make Greek chicken meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! For efficient Greek chicken meatballs bowl prep, you can mix and form the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them on a tray, covered tightly with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. Just cook them as directed when you’re ready to assemble your bowls.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Greek chicken meatballs?
A common pitfall is dry meatballs. To avoid this, don’t overcook them – 10-12 minutes is usually perfect for this size. Also, ensure you don’t pack the meat mixture too tightly when forming the balls; a gentle hand keeps them tender.
Best Ways to Serve Your Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl
Once your delicious meatballs are ready, it’s time to talk serving! The most classic way is the Greek chicken meatballs with rice bowl, where fluffy basmati rice forms the perfect base for the meatballs, veggies, and tzatziki. It’s a hearty and complete meal that’s incredibly satisfying. For a lighter option, you can also serve these versatile meatballs crumbled over a big, fresh Greek salad. Think of them as the perfect protein addition to your chicken meatballs for Greek salad bowl, adding that authentic Mediterranean flair and a delightful chewiness that complements crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and feta beautifully. Either way, you’re in for a treat! You might also enjoy our Tzatziki Chicken Pizza for another Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Nutrition Facts for Healthy Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl
This Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl is as nutritious as it is delicious! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy meal ideas, check out our dinner recipes.
How to Store and Reheat This Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl
I love that this Greek chicken meatballs bowl is fantastic for meal prep, making those busy weeknights even easier. Once everything is cooked, let the meatballs and rice cool completely before storing. This is super important to prevent condensation, which can make things soggy. I usually transfer any leftover meatballs, rice, and veggies into separate airtight containers. This helps keep everything tasting fresh. You can store the assembled bowls in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked meatballs and rice separately for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
When it’s time to reheat, I typically warm the meatballs and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth. If you’re reheating an assembled bowl, be mindful of the fresh components like cucumber and tomatoes; it’s often best to add those after warming the meatballs and rice. As for the chicken meatballs Greek tzatziki bowl sauce, it should also be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving, as the yogurt can sometimes separate. If you’re looking for other bowl ideas, our Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is another great option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowls
Got questions about making this delicious Greek chicken meatballs bowl? I’ve got answers!
What are Greek chicken meatballs?
Greek chicken meatballs are flavorful meatballs made with ground chicken, seasoned with classic Mediterranean herbs like dill and mint, often incorporating ingredients like onion and garlic. They’re typically pan-fried or baked until golden brown and juicy, forming the delicious base for a satisfying Greek chicken meatballs bowl.
Can I make Greek chicken meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! For fantastic Greek chicken meatballs bowl prep, you can mix the meatball ingredients and form the meatballs up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and cook them when you’re ready to assemble your bowls. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
How do I adapt this recipe if I don’t have ground chicken?
If you can’t find ground chicken or prefer something else, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and works beautifully in this recipe. You could even try ground lamb for a richer flavor, though it will change the taste profile slightly. The herbs and seasonings will still create a wonderful dish, no matter the base meat. For other ground meat recipes, consider our Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet.
Is this recipe similar to a Greek chicken kibbeh bowl recipe?
While both are delicious Mediterranean dishes, a Greek chicken kibbeh bowl recipe would typically involve bulgur wheat mixed into the meatball mixture, giving it a different texture and flavor profile. This recipe focuses on a simpler, tender chicken meatball seasoned with fresh herbs for a lighter, more accessible bowl.
Variations of Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowls You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, don’t be afraid to get creative with your Greek chicken meatballs bowls! Here are a few ideas to shake things up:
- Lemon Herb Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl: Amp up the freshness by adding the zest of one lemon to your meatball mixture. You can also toss the cooked meatballs with a little extra lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley before serving for an extra bright flavor.
- Greek Chicken Meatballs Quinoa Bowl: Swap out the basmati rice for fluffy quinoa. This adds a nutritional boost and a slightly different nutty texture that pairs wonderfully with the savory meatballs and fresh toppings.
- Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Bowl: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mix. You could also drizzle a spicy harissa yogurt sauce over the top instead of, or in addition to, the tzatziki.
- Baked Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl: If you prefer baking over pan-frying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Amazing Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl 1 Hour
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and nutritious Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl packed with flavor and fresh ingredients, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground chicken
- 60 g red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 g fresh dill, chopped
- 10 g fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tsp Greek seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for pan
- 240 g cooked basmati rice
- 100 g Persian cucumber, sliced
- 100 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 50 g Kalamata olives, pitted
- 50 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 80 g tzatziki sauce
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Pita bread or pita chips, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, red onion, garlic, dill, mint, Greek seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a hand mixer until well incorporated.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of mixture per meatball and roll into uniform balls. Place formed meatballs on a tray.
- Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange meatballs in a single layer and cook, rotating occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove to a plate and cover with foil.
- Divide cooked rice among serving bowls. Arrange cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives alongside. Add chicken meatballs and garnish with crumbled feta cheese and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and pita if desired.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste if desired.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- Can substitute chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg