If you’re anything like me, some evenings just scream “I need something fresh, easy, and a little fancy—but not fussy.” That’s where these Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs step in like your culinary fairy godmother. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors—think dill, mint, lemon, and feta—this dish is a vibrant, wholesome dinner that feels like a mini vacation on a plate. And yes, it’s totally doable on a Tuesday.
Whether you’re juggling work, wrangling kids, or just plain exhausted from being a human, this meal is your delicious rescue plan. Pair it with fluffy giant couscous and a crisp cucumber salad, and you’ve got yourself a balanced, feel-good dinner with just the right amount of flair.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
These aren’t your average meatballs (and no shade to the spaghetti variety—we still love them). What makes these Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs shine?
- They’re light but super flavorful thanks to grated zucchini, lemon zest, and tangy feta.
- A healthy dinner option that doesn’t taste like “health food.”
- Perfectly air-fryer or oven-friendly—no babysitting required.
- Meal prep-friendly! They hold up great for lunches or dinners the next day.
Oh, and did I mention it’s all done in about 30 minutes? Your future self just high-fived you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 500g (about 1 lb) chicken mince
- 100g (about 3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 large zucchini, grated
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (keep the juice for later!)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- 20g (a generous handful) of fresh chopped herbs – dill, mint, and parsley
- Pinch of black pepper
- Olive oil (for brushing or spritzing)
For the Giant Couscous:
- 1 cup giant couscous
- 1½ cups water
- Pinch of salt
- 5g (1 Tbsp) fresh chopped dill
- 1 tsp olive oil
For the Cucumber Salad:
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Juice from that zested lemon (about 40ml total)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step: Let’s Make It Happen
1. Mix the Magic Meatballs
Grab a big bowl—this is where the magic happens. Combine the chicken mince, feta, grated zucchini, lemon zest, egg, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and those fresh herbs. Use your hands (or a spoon if you’re squeamish) to mix everything until it’s well combined.
Now roll them into 12 meatballs—about the size of a golf ball. Pro tip: slightly wet hands make rolling a breeze.
2. Cook ‘Em Your Way
Air Fryer Method:
Preheat to 205°C (about 400°F). Place meatballs near the heating element and cook for 11 minutes. They’ll get a gorgeous golden crust—yum!
Oven Method:
Preheat to 220°C (about 425°F). Place on a tray in the top third of your oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Make the Fluffy Couscous
In a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over high heat. Add your giant couscous and toast for a minute or two until just lightly golden. Pour in water, toss in a pinch of salt, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the couscous is al dente.
Drain any excess water. Stir in a little olive oil, chopped dill, and a good squeeze of that lemon juice (about 20ml). Taste and season—this step really brings the flavor home.
4. Toss Together the Salad
In a bowl, combine the sliced cucumber and red onion. Add the remaining lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Toss gently and let it sit while everything else finishes up. The lemon juice lightly pickles the onion and keeps things fresh.
5. Plate Like a Pro
Scoop the couscous onto each plate, top with 3-4 juicy meatballs, and spoon on the cucumber salad. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil—and maybe an extra crumble of feta if you’re feeling wild.
Quick Tips for Herby Greek Chicken Meatball Success
- Zucchini Tip: Don’t worry about squeezing it dry—its moisture helps keep the meatballs juicy.
- Don’t Overwork the Mix: Stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs (and nobody wants that).
- Make Ahead: You can mix and roll the meatballs a day ahead and keep them in the fridge.
- No giant couscous? No problem! Quinoa, orzo, or regular couscous are great swaps.
From My Kitchen to Yours…
True story—this recipe came about one summer night when my herb garden was going wild. I tossed together what I had: some ground chicken, a lonely zucchini, and a truckload of dill and mint. My kids devoured the meatballs and asked for more the next day. That’s when I knew: this was Chicken Magic.
And now, it’s yours.

FAQs About Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs
Can I substitute turkey for chicken mince?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well. It may be a bit leaner, so don’t skip the zucchini—it keeps the texture moist.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. They’re also amazing cold over a salad!
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! Freeze them raw or cooked. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking or reheating.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No sweat! Use 1 tsp each of dried dill, mint, and parsley instead. But if you can swing the fresh ones—they do make a difference.
A Delicious Way to Bring the Mediterranean Home
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking to add some sunshine to your weeknight dinner routine, these Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are a total win. They’re simple, zesty, and satisfying in all the right ways. And let’s be real—anything that gets dinner on the table in under 30 minutes and makes your kitchen smell like a cozy taverna? That’s a keeper.
What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. Serve it over couscous, wrap it in a pita, or even toss the meatballs into a salad the next day for a no-fuss lunch. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for impressing guests over the weekend.
So go ahead—roll up your sleeves, grab a lemon, and let your kitchen transport you straight to the Greek isles—one juicy, herby, golden-brown meatball at a time. You deserve a dinner that feels like a mini escape (without the plane ticket).
More Recipes to Savor: Keep the Mediterranean Vibes Going
If these Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs left you craving more bright, bold, and feel-good flavors, I’ve got you covered! These hand-picked Chicken Magic Recipes pair beautifully with the same fresh and zesty vibe—perfect for your weekly dinner rotation or your next meal prep mission.
Here are four recipes to check out next:
- For another sunny Greek-inspired meal, try these Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice—a comforting one-pot wonder full of citrusy, herby goodness.
- If you’re all about meatballs (same!), don’t miss these Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Orzo—they’re like cousins to today’s recipe and just as satisfying.
- Need a quick lunch idea? This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad brings together creamy dressing, juicy chicken, and pasta in a dish that’s as lunchbox-friendly as it is delicious.
- Want to stay on the fresh salad train? Then this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad is a must—packed with texture, color, and that irresistible tangy-sweet flavor profile.
With recipes like these just a click away, your meal planning is about to get a serious flavor upgrade. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to explore more on Chicken Magic Recipes for dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
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Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs Ready
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Herby Greek Chicken Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and full of fresh Mediterranean herbs. Paired with lemony giant couscous and a crisp cucumber salad, it’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
500g (1 lb) chicken mince
100g (3.5 oz) feta, crumbled
1 large zucchini, grated
Zest of 1 large lemon
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ tsp salt
20g (a handful) fresh herbs: dill, mint, parsley – chopped
Pinch of black pepper
Olive oil, for brushing or spritzing
For the Giant Couscous:
1 cup giant couscous
1½ cups water
Big pinch of salt
1 tsp olive oil
5g (1 Tbsp) chopped dill
Juice of ½ lemon (about 20 ml)
For the Cucumber Salad:
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
Juice of ½ lemon (about 20 ml)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine chicken mince, crumbled feta, grated zucchini, lemon zest, egg, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs. Mix until just combined.
Form the Meatballs: Roll into 12 golf ball-sized meatballs. Lightly brush or spritz with olive oil.
Cook the Meatballs:
Air Fryer: Preheat to 205°C (400°F) and cook for 11 minutes near the heating element.
Oven: Preheat to 220°C (425°F) and bake on a tray in the top third of the oven for 12–15 minutes.
Prepare the Couscous: Heat olive oil in a pan over high heat. Lightly toast couscous for 1–2 minutes. Add water and salt, cook for 10–12 minutes until al dente. Drain excess water, stir in chopped dill, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season to taste.
Make the Salad: Toss sliced cucumber and red onion with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let sit to lightly pickle.
Assemble: Plate couscous, top with meatballs, and add cucumber salad. Drizzle with olive oil and serve warm.
Notes
You can prep the meatballs ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Ground turkey is a great substitute for chicken mince
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Air Fryer / Oven
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg