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These Greek chicken meatballs with tzatziki are a flavorful high-protein dish that’s perfect for weight loss and keto meal plans. If you love bright Mediterranean flavors but want something lighter, you’ve come to the right spot. This recipe features ground chicken mixed with herbs, garlic, and a few simple binders, then baked or air-fried until tender. Paired with a cool cucumber-yogurt sauce, these little bites bring out the best in Greek cooking while helping you keep carbs low. Whether you’re new to low-carb eating or just need a healthy dinner idea, this easy meal offers taste and health in every bite.
Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for cooking these meatballs in several ways: oven, air fryer, slow cooker, Instant Pot, and even on the grill. Plus, there’s a quick guide to making creamy tzatziki at home. Get ready for a simple recipe that you can enjoy for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Let’s jump in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Keto Friendly: Made with almond flour (or pork rinds) instead of bread crumbs, these keto Greek chicken meatballs keep the carb count low.
- Weight Loss Approved: Each serving is high in protein and can be made with lean chicken to support your health goals.
- Meal Prep Superstar: You can bake a big batch on Sunday and pack these for lunches throughout the week.
- Many Cooking Methods: Oven, air fryer, Instant Pot, grill, or slow cooker—pick what you like best.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Classic herbs, lemon, and cool tzatziki sauce make these meatballs fresh and bright.
If you want something like healthy Greek meatballs (low carb) that still tastes amazing, you’ll love this recipe. It’s also simple enough to make on a busy weeknight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a list of what goes into both the meatballs and the tzatziki sauce. You can adjust ingredients based on dietary needs—like dairy-free yogurt or different binders. No matter which version you choose, you’ll still get that classic Greek taste.
For the Meatballs
- Ground Chicken (1 to 1½ pounds): Choose a lean option for weight loss, or a slightly higher-fat mix for extra flavor. Ground turkey works too if that’s what you have on hand.
- Egg (1 large): Helps the mixture bind together.
- Almond Flour (¼ cup): Replaces bread crumbs for a keto-friendly version. You can also crush pork rinds or use your favorite low-carb binder.
- Finely Chopped Onion (½ cup): Adds moisture and flavor.
- Minced Garlic (2 cloves): Essential for Greek-style depth.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): A classic herb in Greek keftedes (meatballs).
- Dried Parsley or Basil (1 teaspoon): Optional, but adds more flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Season well.
- Optional: A splash of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or crumbled feta cheese mixed in for added taste.
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- Greek Yogurt (1 cup): Full-fat if you’re keto, or low-fat for Weight Watchers. You can use dairy-free yogurt if you prefer Paleo or Whole30.
- Cucumber (½ cup grated and drained): English cucumber or Persian cucumber works great.
- Minced Garlic (1 clove): Because Greek tzatziki needs a little garlicky kick.
- Fresh Dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): Or dried dill if fresh isn’t available.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Adjust based on your taste buds.
- Optional: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
By mixing these items, you’ll get tender Greek chicken meatballs with tzatziki that are perfect for a healthy dinner or one-pan Greek meatball dinner if you bake everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Oven Method)
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to keep meatballs from sticking.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, add ground chicken, egg, almond flour, onion, garlic, oregano, parsley (or basil), salt, and pepper. If you like a hint of spice, toss in red pepper flakes. Stir gently with a spoon or your hands. Tip: Don’t stir too much, or the meatballs can get tough.
- Shape the Meatballs: Rub a little olive oil on your palms to keep the mixture from sticking. Scoop out about two tablespoons of mixture and form into a ball. Place on the baking sheet, leaving a little room between each one.
- Bake: Pop the sheet into the oven and bake for about 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Check one by slicing it open or use a thermometer.
- Prepare Tzatziki: While the meatballs bake, combine the yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until creamy. If you want a tangier flavor, mix in a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are done, serve them warm with a generous spoonful of tzatziki on top or on the side. For a splash of color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!
This oven method is simple and reliable. You get juicy Greek chicken meatballs that brown nicely on the outside. They pair so well with the cool tzatziki!
Other Cooking Methods
Not everyone wants to heat up the oven, and sometimes you might prefer a certain kitchen gadget. Try these alternatives:
Air Fryer Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 400°F.
- Arrange Meatballs: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place formed meatballs in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation.
- Cook Time: Air fry for about 10–12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through. They’re done when golden on the outside and 165°F inside.
- Serve: Plate them with tzatziki and a fresh salad. They’ll be crispy on the outside and tender in the middle.
This method is quick and uses less oil, making it ideal for low-carb chicken meatballs lovers who want to keep things light.
Instant Pot Greek Meatballs (Keto)
- Sauté (Optional): If your Instant Pot has a sauté function, lightly brown the meatballs in a bit of olive oil. This step adds color but isn’t required.
- Pressure Cook: Add ½ cup of chicken broth to the pot. Set the meatballs on a trivet or in a steamer basket to keep them above the liquid. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow a quick release or natural release (your choice).
- Check Doneness: Make sure the internal temperature is 165°F. If needed, cook a bit longer. Serve with a drizzle of tzatziki on top.
- Note: If you want a tomato-based sauce, pour in some crushed tomatoes and herbs. The result? Instant Pot Greek meatballs (keto version) in a flavorful sauce.
Slow Cooker Greek Meatballs
- Optional Browning: You can brown the meatballs in a skillet first to lock in flavor.
- Layer in Slow Cooker: Place meatballs in the slow cooker. Add a bit of broth or a simple tomato sauce if you like. Cook on Low for about 4 hours or High for 2 hours. They’ll turn out extra tender.
- Serve: Top with tzatziki or stir in Greek yogurt sauce near the end. This method is great for busy days when you want dinner ready without fuss.
Grilled Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Shape and Skewer: If you prefer grilling, form meatballs slightly smaller and thread them onto skewers or use a grill basket.
- Grill Time: Heat the grill to medium. Cook meatballs for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re cooked through.
- Extra Flavor: A light brush of olive oil prevents sticking. Grilled Greek meatballs give a smoky taste that pairs nicely with the cool tzatziki.
Making Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki is a classic cucumber-yogurt sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and refreshing. It’s the “secret sauce” that ties everything together. While you can buy tzatziki at the store, homemade is much nicer.
- Drain Your Cucumber: Grate about half a cucumber. Wrap the shreds in a paper towel and press to remove excess water. If you skip this step, your sauce can get watery.
- Combine with Yogurt: Stir the drained cucumber into 1 cup of Greek yogurt.
- Season: Add 1 minced garlic clove, a pinch of salt, some pepper, and a tablespoon of fresh dill. For a little zing, add lemon juice.
- Chill: Let it rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
That’s it! Greek chicken meatballs with tzatziki just wouldn’t be the same without this cool sauce. Serve it on the side for dipping or spoon it right on top.
Serving Suggestions
Once your meatballs are cooked, how do you round out the meal? There are lots of tasty ways to serve keto Greek chicken meatballs:
- Over Salad: Layer crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Place meatballs on top and drizzle tzatziki as dressing.
- With Cauliflower Rice: Ideal for a low-carb plate. Add grilled veggies or a side of steamed broccoli to complete your dinner.
- In a Pita or Wrap: If you’re not strict keto, tuck meatballs into a whole wheat pita with shredded lettuce and tzatziki. Perfect for a quick lunch.
- As a Party Appetizer: Make them bite-sized and serve with toothpicks. Offer tzatziki in a small bowl for dipping.
You can also try them with:
- Roasted Zucchini or eggplant slices.
- Fresh Greek Salad topped with feta.
- Grilled peppers or mushrooms if you’re doing a cookout.
Basically, they’re delicious with any light and fresh side. If you need more ideas, check out some of our other healthy options like Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs – Easy & Healthy or Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans (One-Pan). Both pair well with these Mediterranean chicken meatballs for a balanced feast.
Great for Meal Prep
Many people want dishes that can be made ahead of time, and these meatballs are a smart choice for meal prep. Prepare a batch, bake or air fry them, and store in airtight containers for up to four days in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat:
- Reheat in the Microwave: About 1–2 minutes on medium power until warmed.
- Reheat in the Oven: Place on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Pair with Tzatziki Right Before Serving: Tzatziki can stay fresh in the fridge for about four days as well. Keep it in a sealed container and stir before using.
If you want to freeze them, place the cooked meatballs on a tray, freeze until solid, then move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat as usual.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutrition for these healthy chicken meatballs when made keto style (using almond flour or pork rinds) and served with tzatziki:
- Calories: Around 350–400 per serving (4 medium meatballs + sauce)
- Protein: Roughly 25–30 grams, depending on how lean your meat is
- Fat: About 15–20 grams (a good amount from the yogurt or any added oil)
- Net Carbs: Often under 5 grams per serving, perfect for keto
- Vitamins: You’ll also get vitamins from herbs, cucumber, and garlic
For weight loss, the high protein content helps keep you satisfied. The sauce is mostly yogurt and cucumber, which are both pretty light. If you want to lower the fat, select extra-lean chicken and low-fat yogurt. Meanwhile, for strict keto, you can stick with full-fat yogurt and possibly add a bit more olive oil to increase healthy fats.
Why This Recipe Works for Weight Loss
- High Protein: Protein helps you feel satisfied, which might keep you from snacking later.
- Lower in Fat than Beef: Ground chicken has less fat than many ground beef options, so you get fewer calories for each meatball.
- Low Carb with Almond Flour: Skipping bread crumbs and using a low-carb binder helps reduce carb load.
- Fresh Tzatziki Instead of Heavy Sauces: Some sauces rely on butter or cream, but here we use a yogurt-based dressing. You get flavor without a big calorie jump.
These points make this dish appealing for many diets—keto, Weight Watchers, paleo (with dairy-free yogurt), or simply a balanced meal plan.
Tips and FAQs
To keep them moist, add an egg and a little bit of oil or feta cheese to the mixture. Avoid over-mixing, and cook them just to 165°F. Overcooking can dry them out. If you’re baking, you can also brush the tops with olive oil before placing them in the oven.
Yes, if you replace regular bread crumbs with almond flour, these are naturally gluten-free. Remember to double-check any extra ingredients like seasonings, but you should be good to go.
Absolutely. Ground turkey is similar in fat content and has a mild flavor. Ground beef or lamb will produce a richer taste, more like traditional Greek keftedes. If you choose beef, the cooking time might remain similar, but keep an eye on the internal temperature.
Use Dairy-Free Yogurt for Tzatziki: Many brands offer coconut milk yogurt or almond milk yogurt. Make sure it’s unsweetened.
Use an Approved Binder: Almond flour or cassava flour is common for paleo. Pork rinds can still work if you’re okay with them on your plan.
They stay fresh for about four days when stored in an airtight container. Tzatziki will also last about four days, though you may need to stir it if water separates. It’s best not to push it much longer than that.
You can microwave them on medium power for a minute or two. If you prefer crisp edges, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for around 10 minutes. The air fryer can work too—just a few minutes at 350°F until they’re warmed through.
Try a simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Cauliflower rice is a good low-carb side. You might also enjoy a bowl of zucchini noodles or a plate of roasted veggies. If you’re not counting carbs, whole wheat pita or orzo pairs well.
Yes, you can freeze them either cooked or uncooked. For cooked meatballs, place them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then move to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This trick is great for Greek chicken meatballs meal prep since you can whip up a batch in advance.
Seasonal Inspiration
While these meatballs can be enjoyed year-round, they really shine in warmer weather. The cool yogurt sauce and fresh herbs fit right into spring and summer meals. Picture this at a backyard barbecue or picnic, served alongside bright salads and fresh produce. It’s also a great way to keep on track with healthy eating when the sun’s out and everyone’s looking for lighter, refreshing plates. These Mediterranean chicken meatballs bring a fun flavor that’s easy to share.
If you’d like more summer-friendly dinners, we recommend checking out:
- Summer Turkey Patties with Mediterranean Veggies
- Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs – Easy & Healthy
Both of these are packed with seasonal produce and keep cooking time short.
Healthy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki (Keto-Friendly!)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approx. 16 meatballs)
- Category: Mains
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These keto-friendly Greek chicken meatballs with tzatziki sauce are quick, easy, and healthy! Perfect for meal prep and weight-loss meal plans, they’re packed with Mediterranean flavors and protein, keeping you satisfied without excess carbs.
Ingredients
For Greek Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 to 1½ lbs ground chicken (lean preferred)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup almond flour (keto-friendly) or crushed pork rinds
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or basil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: Fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, feta cheese (crumbled)
For Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for keto)
- ½ cup cucumber (grated and drained)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or dried dill)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon juice or drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
-
Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, gently combine ground chicken, egg, almond flour, onion, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and optional ingredients. Form the mixture into meatballs. -
Cook Meatballs (Oven):
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 18–20 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F. -
Tzatziki Sauce:
Mix yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice. Refrigerate until serving. -
Serve:
Serve meatballs warm, topped or sided with tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or cucumber slices if desired.
Notes
-
Alternative cooking methods:
- Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Instant Pot: High pressure for 8 minutes, quick-release.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low 4 hours.
- Grill: Medium heat 10–12 minutes.
-
Meal Prep Friendly: Store meatballs & sauce separately in fridge up to 4 days. Reheat meatballs in microwave or oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki, Keto Greek Chicken Meatballs, Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs, Low-Carb Meatballs, Healthy Meal Prep Chicken Recipe
Pin It for Later!
If you love sharing recipes on Pinterest, we have two pins you can save right now:
- Keto Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki – Low-Carb & High-Protein Meal: “Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki – Keto & Weight Loss Friendly!”
- Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki – Easy Keto & Low-Carb Recipe: “Healthy Greek Meatballs (Low Carb) – Perfect for Quick Meal Prep!”
Feel free to pin these for easy reference the next time you want a tasty Mediterranean dinner.
Conclusion
Greek chicken meatballs with tzatziki bring together freshness, lean protein, and Greek-inspired spices to make an easy meal that fits many diets. Whether you’re looking for a keto dinner, a weight loss option, or simply a flavorful lunch, this recipe delivers. You can make them in the oven, air fryer, Instant Pot, slow cooker, or even on the grill. The creamy tzatziki sauce ties everything together in a cool, satisfying way.
Give these meatballs a try and see how they can turn your usual chicken dinner into something special. They’ll keep you full, add a touch of Mediterranean flair to your table, and make your meal prep simple. Enjoy, and don’t forget to leave a comment or rating to let us know how they turned out. For more healthy ideas, hop over to our other recipes like Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans (One-Pan) or Summer Turkey Patties with Mediterranean Veggies. Happy cooking, and thanks for visiting!