Chicken Feta Meatballs

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

These flavorful meatballs mix ground chicken, zucchini shreds, and feta for a healthy, juicy option. The breadcrumbs and cheese give great texture, while Mediterranean herbs add a burst of flavor. Serve with a crisp cucumber-avocado salad and tzatziki for a balanced, tasty meal. They’re easy to cook on the stovetop, bake, or air fry—perfect for weeknights or meal prepping.
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Updated on Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:53:24 GMT
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Chicken Feta Meatballs | chefmelt.com

When I first whipped up these Mediterranean-style chicken and zucchini meatballs, I wasn't sure about skipping the usual zucchini-squeezing step. My doubts vanished when I found out that keeping all that natural moisture makes super soft meatballs that don't dry out even when you warm them up later. These juicy protein bombs have now become my favorite way to turn boring ground chicken into a dinner that's both healthy and feels kind of fancy.

These meatballs work for everything from rushed weeknight meals to impressive dinner parties.

Key Ingredients and Smart Picks

  • Ground Chicken: Go for one with a bit of fat to make sure they don't dry out
  • Fresh Herbs: Vibrant dill or parsley adds a pop of freshness
  • Feta Cheese: Real Greek feta gives you the tastiest results
  • Zucchini: Pick ones that feel solid and heavy to get plenty of moisture for juicy meatballs
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Chicken Zucchini Meatballs | chefmelt.com

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1:
Shred your zucchini straight into the mixing bowl to keep all those good juices.
Step 2:
Crumble the ground chicken into the bowl so it mixes better.
Step 3:
Add your seasonings all over so the flavor spreads evenly.
Step 4:
Mix everything with your hands just until combined, don't overdo it.

Master Your Meatball Shaping

Step 1:
Wet your hands a bit so the mixture won't stick while you're rolling.
Step 2:
Form balls gently, making them about the same size, around 2 tablespoons each.
Step 3:
Put them in rows on a baking sheet with parchment so they cook evenly.

Time to Cook Your Meatballs

Step 1:
For frying, warm up some oil in a pan and let the meatballs get brown and crispy before turning them.
Step 2:
For baking, heat your oven to 400°F and cook them for 18-20 minutes until they hit 165°F inside.
Step 3:
Let them sit for 5 minutes after cooking so the juices stay inside.

Whip Up a Fresh Side Salad

Step 1:
Chop your cucumbers and avocados into similar-sized chunks.
Step 2:
Splash with lemon juice right away to stop the avocado from turning brown.
Step 3:
Add plenty of salt and pepper, and mix carefully to keep the avocado pieces whole.

Putting It All Together

Step 1:
Start with a hot layer of rice on the bottom.
Step 2:
Place your warm meatballs on top of the rice.
Step 3:
Finish with your fresh salad and some tzatziki sauce drizzled over everything.

Make Extra for Later

Make twice as many and stick half in the freezer for another day. Freeze them on a tray first so they don't clump together, then put them in a sealed container.

Smart Cooking Tricks

  • Brown your panko breadcrumbs in a dry pan first for extra flavor
  • A small ice cream scoop makes perfectly even meatballs
  • After cooking, wait 5 minutes before serving so they firm up a bit
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Chicken Zucchini Meatballs | chefmelt.com

Wrapping Up

These Mediterranean-style chicken and zucchini meatballs turn basic ingredients into something really special. Whether you're feeding friends, prepping meals for your week, or trying to sneak more veggies into dinner, these meatballs pack flavor, nutrition, and satisfaction in every bite.

Kitchen Memories Worth Sharing

Making these meatballs together has turned into a special family activity in my home. Every step brings us closer and adds joy, making ordinary dinners into memories we'll treasure. From my family to yours, I hope you'll love this recipe as much as we do.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these in advance?
Sure, shape the meatballs up to a day ahead and chill them. You can also freeze cooked ones for up to three months.
→ Should I remove water from the zucchini?
Nope, the moisture keeps your meatballs tender and juicy.
→ What if I don’t want to fry these?
You can bake at 425°F for about 10-15 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 12-14 minutes.
→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Use the oven, air fryer, or even the microwave until they’re warmed up.
→ Can I swap out the herbs?
Absolutely, replace dill with parsley or mix in your favorite herbs for the salad.

Zucchini Chicken Feta

Moist chicken meatballs with grated zucchini and feta, served alongside creamy tzatziki and a cucumber-avocado salad.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 5 Servings (24 small meatballs)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meatballs

01 1 medium zucchini, shredded
02 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
03 1 teaspoon zest from a lemon
04 1 lb ground chicken
05 2 tablespoons chopped fresh jalapeño
06 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/3 cup finely diced yellow onion
08 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
09 Extra-virgin olive oil for frying
10 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
11 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
12 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Cucumber Avocado Salad

13 Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
14 2 tablespoons fresh olive oil
15 1 large ripe avocado, cut into pieces
16 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, dill, or basil
17 1-2 tablespoons squeezed lemon juice
18 1 English cucumber, diced into chunks

→ To Serve

19 Tzatziki sauce
20 Cooked rice (white)

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together chicken, zucchini, feta, breadcrumbs, onion, herbs, and spices. Roll the mixture into 24 small balls.

Step 02

Warm some olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Fry the meatballs in small batches, turning as you go, for about 6-8 minutes till golden all over.

Step 03

Throw cucumber, avocado, lemon juice, herbs, oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper into a bowl. Toss lightly to coat.

Step 04

Place the meatballs atop a bed of rice alongside the cucumber-avocado combo and a dollop of tzatziki. Garnish with dill if you'd like, and drizzle on a little olive oil.

Notes

  1. Bake at 425°F for around 10-15 minutes
  2. Can air fry for 12-14 minutes at 400°F
  3. Prep ahead and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking
  4. Lasts up to 3 months in the freezer

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Box grater
  • Wide skillet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (feta cheese)
  • Contains wheat due to breadcrumbs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 307
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 26.5 g