Easy Mediterranean Chicken Balls Recipe
Introduction
Looking for a fresh, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and always a hit? These Easy Mediterranean Chicken Balls deliver vibrant herbs, succulent chicken, and a subtle hint of garlic in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers, this recipe combines bold flavors with healthy ingredients, making it a go-to for cooks seeking both simplicity and taste.
Why These Chicken Balls Are a Standout
What sets this recipe apart is its Mediterranean flair: aromatic oregano, zesty lemon, and a medley of fresh herbs infuse lean chicken with irresistible flavor. The chicken balls are tender, juicy, and pair effortlessly with a variety of sides—think salads, flatbreads, or simple grain bowls—for a balanced and exciting meal.
Flavorful Chicken: The Key Mediterranean Mix
The mixture of herbs and spices is essential for getting that authentic Mediterranean taste. Fresh parsley, dill, and mint are finely chopped, while aromatics like garlic and red onion add depth. Binding everything together is just a touch of oats or breadcrumbs for perfect texture. A generous squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the mixture, ensuring every morsel bursts with sunny flavor.
Easy Assembly and Cooking
Once your chicken mixture is well combined, shaping the balls is a breeze. Using a small scoop or damp hands to create evenly sized balls helps them cook at the same rate. You can bake, pan-sear, or air-fry these chicken balls—they turn out tender, flavorful, and golden every time. Serve them as a main, pack them in lunch boxes, or serve with your favorite dip for a versatile dish.
Serving Suggestions for Your Mediterranean Chicken Balls
Pair these savory chicken balls with a side of tzatziki, hummus, or a fresh tomato-cucumber salad for a complete meal. Stuff them in pita bread with greens, or serve over rice for an easy dinner. Their crowd-pleasing flavors make them an excellent choice for appetizers at gatherings or as protein-packed lunchbox staples.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes about 18 chicken balls, enough to serve 4 to 6 people. Each serving contains approximately 200-250 calories, high in protein and low in carbohydrates, especially when paired with light sides. It’s a nourishing choice for balanced, Mediterranean-inspired eating.
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Balls (Recap)
Herby, juicy, and brimming with sunny Mediterranean flavor, these chicken balls are perfect for busy cooks and family dinners. Their adaptability and simplicity make them indispensable in any meal plan.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), or set air fryer to 380°F (193°C) if using.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, mint (if using), oregano, oats or breadcrumbs, egg, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more oats or breadcrumbs.
- Using damp hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a lightly oiled air fryer basket. Drizzle or brush olive oil over the tops to promote browning.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Serve warm with your favorite sides: tzatziki sauce, hummus, pita, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Weekly Meal Planning
This Mediterranean chicken balls recipe is a meal prep dream. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan for quick weekday lunches, efficient dinner rotation, or party menu planning. CookifyAI will help you consolidate all your ingredients, so shopping is simpler than ever.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically totals ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
- Organizes shopping lists by store sections for faster grocery trips
- Prevents duplicate purchases and ensures you don’t forget key items
- Makes prepping for the week streamlined and stress-free
Pro tip: When you’re meal planning for the week, schedule your recipes with CookifyAI—ingredient quantities are combined, so you buy exactly what you need and avoid food waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Enjoy these Easy Mediterranean Chicken Balls as a delicious, healthy, and versatile staple in your mealtime rotation!