Greek Chicken Zesty Lemon

Featured in: Dinner Grin

These Greek chicken meatballs blend fresh Mediterranean herbs, garlic, and bright lemon zest for a vibrant flavor profile. Each bite is tender and juicy, thanks to ground chicken and gluten-free breadcrumbs, while the tangy yogurt sauce adds creamy richness. Serve these as a light main course or appetizers alongside a crisp salad, fresh pita, or rice. Easy to prepare, they make a delicious option for weeknight cooking and pair wonderfully with white wine. For extra juiciness, consider adding milk to the mixture and garnish with dill or lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:04:00 GMT
Savory Greek chicken meatballs with zesty lemon flavor, served with tangy yogurt sauce.  Save
Savory Greek chicken meatballs with zesty lemon flavor, served with tangy yogurt sauce. | grinnosh.com

Juicy chicken meatballs infused with Mediterranean herbs, garlic, and a burst of lemon, served with a tangy yogurt sauce. Perfect for a light main course or appetizer that brings Greek flavors to your table.

I first made these Greek chicken meatballs for a weeknight dinner, and they disappeared fast. The vibrant lemon and dill are always a crowd-pleaser in my family.

What's for Dinner Tonight? ๐Ÿค”

Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.

Free. No spam. Just easy meals.

Ingredients

  • Ground chicken: 500 g
  • Onion: 1 small, finely grated
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Gluten-free breadcrumbs: 40 g
  • Fresh parsley: 1 small bunch, finely chopped
  • Fresh dill: 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Dried oregano: 1 tsp
  • Lemon zest: Zest of 1 large lemon
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: ยฝ tsp, freshly ground
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp for frying
  • Greek yogurt: 200 g
  • Lemon juice (for sauce): 1 tbsp
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for sauce): 1 tbsp
  • Garlic (for sauce): 1 clove, finely minced
  • Fresh dill (for sauce): 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Salt and pepper (for sauce): To taste

Tired of Takeout? ๐Ÿฅก

Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.

One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Instructions

Product image
Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
Check price on Amazon
Mix meatball ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until just combined.
Shape meatballs:
With wet hands, form the mixture into 20 to 24 small meatballs, each about 1 heaping tablespoon.
Cook meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through for about 8 to 10 minutes. Place cooked meatballs on a plate lined with paper towel.
Prepare yogurt sauce:
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Serve:
Serve meatballs warm with yogurt sauce. Garnish with extra dill and lemon wedges if desired.
Save
| grinnosh.com

Sharing this Mediterranean-inspired meal with my family always sparks laughter and good conversation around the dinner table.

Still Scrolling? You'll Love This ๐Ÿ‘‡

Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack โ€” tried and tested by thousands.

Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these meatballs with pita, rice, or a crisp Greek salad for a complete meal.

Allergen Information

Contains egg and dairy. Check labels to confirm gluten-free if needed.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides approximately 280 calories, 14 g total fat, 8 g carbohydrates, and 30 g protein.

Golden-brown Greek chicken meatballs bursting with fresh herbs, perfect with zesty yogurt dip.  Save
Golden-brown Greek chicken meatballs bursting with fresh herbs, perfect with zesty yogurt dip. | grinnosh.com
Product image
Mix doughs, batters, and whipped cream easily for baking cakes, cookies, and everyday treats.
Check price on Amazon

This recipe makes a delicious centerpiece for casual gatherings or healthy weeknight meals.

Recipe FAQ

โ†’ How do I keep chicken meatballs juicy?

Use grated onion, instant breadcrumbs, and a touch of milk to help meatballs retain moisture while cooking.

โ†’ Can I substitute turkey for chicken?

Yes, ground turkey offers a similar texture and flavor. Just swap it in for chicken and follow the same method.

โ†’ What pairs well with these meatballs?

Serve with a Greek salad, warm pita bread, or fluffy rice. A crisp white wine like Assyrtiko complements the dish.

โ†’ Is the dish gluten-free?

When using gluten-free breadcrumbs, these meatballs are suitable for gluten-free diets. Always check ingredient labels.

โ†’ Can I make the meatballs ahead?

Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving with fresh sauce and garnishes.

โ†’ How to make the yogurt sauce?

Mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth. Serve chilled with the meatballs.

20-Minute Dinner Pack โ€” Free Download ๐Ÿ“ฅ

10 recipes, 1 shopping list. Everything you need for a week of easy dinners.

Instant access. No signup hassle.

Greek Chicken Zesty Lemon

Tender chicken meatballs feature lemon zest and Mediterranean herbs, served with creamy yogurt sauce.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Hannah Lewis


Skill level Easy

Heritage Greek

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines No gluten, Low-Carbohydrate

Components

Meatballs

01 1.1 lbs ground chicken
02 1 small onion, finely grated
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 large egg
05 1.4 oz gluten-free breadcrumbs
06 1 small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
08 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 Zest of 1 large lemon
10 1 tablespoon lemon juice
11 1 teaspoon salt
12 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying

Yogurt Sauce

01 7 oz Greek yogurt
02 1 tablespoon lemon juice
03 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
04 1 clove garlic, finely minced
05 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
06 Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Stage 01

Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, gluten-free breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix just until incorporated to maintain moisture.

Stage 02

Form Meatballs: With damp hands, shape the mixture into 20 to 24 small meatballs, using approximately 1 heaping tablespoon per meatball.

Stage 03

Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs in batches, turning regularly, until golden brown and fully cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Stage 04

Prepare Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, blend Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, and season with salt and pepper until smooth.

Stage 05

Serve: Present meatballs warm accompanied by the yogurt sauce. Garnish with extra dill and lemon wedges if desired.

You Just Made Something Great ๐Ÿ‘

Want more like this? Get my best easy recipes โ€” free, straight to your inbox.

Join 10,000+ home cooks. No spam.

Necessary tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Grater
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Small bowl

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains egg and dairy (Greek yogurt).
  • Confirmed gluten-free with certified breadcrumbs; evaluate packaging for hidden allergens.

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 280
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 30 g

Cooking Shouldn't Be Hard โค๏ธ

Get a free recipe pack that makes weeknight dinners effortless. Real food, real fast.

Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime.