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Green Goddess Chicken Meatballs

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 12 meatballs

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup mix of fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives, mint)
  • 1 small shallot or white onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour)
  • pinch pepper
Lemon yogurt:
  • ½ cup greek style yogurt (any kind, I used full-fat)
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • salt + pepper to taste
Cucumber Salad:
  • 3 small persian cucumbers (or 1 large)
  • splash of: olive oil, salt, red wine vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions

Make the cucumber salad:

  • Slice the cucumbers into chunks or medium slices, add to a bowl with a generous pinch of salt, pepper, a little olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar (or lemon juice). Toss and set aside.

Make the yogurt:

  • Combine all ingredients together, mix well, and set aside or spread evenly on your serving platter.

Make the meatballs:

  • In a food processor, combine the egg, roughly chopped herbs, salt, shallot, garlic clove, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pulse until mixed well.
  • To a large bowl, add the egg + herb mixture and breadcrumbs. Stir together and let sit 5 minutes. I sweat this makes a big difference in the end texture!
  • Add the ground chicken and mix well, without over doing it, using either your hands or a spatula. I prefer hands to get everything incorporated together.
  • Cook on the stovetop in a cast iron or other frying pan. Let the pan heat up over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and then wait another minute. Make sure it's hot before adding the meatballs for a good sear! Cook until internal temperature reads 165, flipping/rolling as needed (about 7-8 minutes per side).
  • If they're getting too brown, but aren't done yet, turn the heat down, add a splash of water and cover to help them cook through.
  • You can also cook in the oven by laying on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cooking at 400 degrees for around 20-25 minutes.
  • Place the meatballs over the yogurt, pile the cucumbers on top and finish with more fresh mint or dill if you have extra!

Notes

The meatballs will last for 5 days in the fridge or can be frozen longer. You can also make the yogurt and/or meatballs ahead of time and just re-heat them in the oven before serving. The cucumber salad is best made just before eating.