If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying, this Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl Recipe will quickly become your new favorite dinner. Picture tender, aromatic chicken meatballs bursting with Mediterranean herbs, paired with vibrant, crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and cool tzatziki, all served over fluffy basmati rice. It’s a meal that delivers on every level—taste, texture, and even color—making each bite a little celebration of Greek-inspired goodness in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl Recipe plays a starring role, blending simple pantry essentials with fresh produce and herbs to create a dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. These straightforward components unlock layers of flavor and beautiful textures you won’t be able to resist.
- 500 g ground chicken: The lean protein base, perfectly tender and mild to carry the herbs and seasoning.
- 60 g red onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet, slightly sharp crunch that brightens the meatballs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth and depth to every bite.
- 15 g fresh dill, chopped: Brings a fresh, grassy note that’s quintessentially Greek.
- 10 g fresh mint, chopped: Adds a cool, unexpected twist to the herb blend.
- 2 tsp Greek seasoning: A blend that perfectly balances oregano, thyme, and other spices for that authentic flavor.
- 1 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally without overpowering them.
- 0.5 tsp black pepper: Gives just enough zing to keep things interesting.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for pan: Keeps the meatballs juicy and lends a silky richness.
- 240 g cooked basmati rice: The fluffy, fragrant base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- 100 g Persian cucumber, sliced: Crisp and cool, balancing the savory meatballs beautifully.
- 100 g cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness add a pop of color and freshness.
- 50 g Kalamata olives, pitted: Briny and bold, offering a classic Mediterranean saltiness.
- 50 g feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy with a tang that perfectly finishes the bowl.
- 80 g tzatziki sauce: A refreshing cucumber-yogurt dip that adds cool moisture and zing.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: A squeeze of brightness to tie every flavor together.
- Pita bread or pita chips, optional: Perfect for scooping and adding a crispy element.
How to Make Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the ground chicken with finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, fresh dill and mint, Greek seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Use your hands or a hand mixer to blend everything thoroughly, making sure those herbs and spices get evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This is where all the flavor magic begins, so take your time and enjoy mixing in those fresh scents!
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Once your mixture is well combined, scoop out roughly 2 tablespoons of it and roll gently into uniform balls. Keeping the meatballs consistent in size ensures they cook evenly. Place them neatly on a tray, taking pride in your handiwork. These little orbs are soon to become golden gems of flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully arrange the meatballs in a single layer and cook them, rotating occasionally so they brown beautifully on all sides. This will take about 10 to 12 minutes. When cooked through and deliciously caramelized, transfer them to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm while you prepare the rest of the bowl.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Divide the fluffy basmati rice among your serving bowls. On one side, artfully arrange the sliced Persian cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and pitted Kalamata olives. Nestle those gorgeous chicken meatballs right alongside, then sprinkle crumbled feta generously over the top. Finally, add a hearty dollop of tzatziki sauce. Serve everything with fresh lemon wedges and maybe some warm pita bread or crunchy pita chips for a truly authentic experience.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like extra fresh dill or mint leaves can brighten the presentation and flavor. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkling of smoked paprika can also elevate the look and taste dramatically. Plus, a few fresh lemon wedges on the side let everyone squeeze in that burst of citrus brightness to tailor each bite.
Side Dishes
This Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl Recipe shines best when kept as a wholesome, complete meal, but you can pair it with sides like a crisp Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or even some warm, soft pita bread. Lightly toasted pita chips make a fantastic crunchy accompaniment for dipping into the tzatziki and scooping up any remaining ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving everything in colorful ceramic bowls to make the vibrant ingredients pop visually. Alternatively, layer components in a glass jar for a portable lunch option that looks as good as it tastes. For festive gatherings, double the recipe and arrange the ingredients buffet-style so guests can build their own bowls exactly how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover meatballs and prepared bowls into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, they will keep well for up to 3 days without losing flavor. The fresh veggies might get a little softer over time, so consider keeping the cucumber, tomatoes, and olives in a separate container if you want to maintain their crunch.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl Recipe later, freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. It’s a great way to have a delicious, homemade meal ready in minutes.
Reheating
Reheat meatballs in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat until warmed through to keep them juicy and flavorful. For the rice and veggies, use a microwave or warm gently on the stovetop. Add fresh tzatziki and crumbled feta after reheating to preserve their texture and taste. A quick squeeze of lemon right before serving will freshen everything up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is light and pairs wonderfully with the herbs, you can substitute ground turkey or even lean ground beef if you prefer. Keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the meat.
Is it possible to make the meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, this Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just ensure any seasoning blends or store-bought tzatziki you use are gluten-free as well for complete peace of mind.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is pleasantly mild with aromatic herbs and balanced seasoning rather than heat. If you love a little kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes to the meatball mix or a dash of hot sauce at serving time.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can mix and form the meatballs the day before, keeping them refrigerated until cooking time. The rice, sliced veggies, and tzatziki can also be prepped ahead to make assembly quick and stress-free.
What can I use instead of basmati rice?
If you’d like to switch things up, jasmine rice or even quinoa would work beautifully in this bowl. Each option adds its own character while still soaking up the flavors and keeping the dish hearty.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl Recipe—its vibrant flavors and textures come together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something easy yet impressive. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become one of your go-to recipes for sharing good food with the people you love!
Print
Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek Chicken Meatballs Bowl is a flavorful and wholesome meal combining tender, herbed chicken meatballs with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and creamy tzatziki sauce, all served over basmati rice. Perfectly spiced with Greek seasoning and fresh herbs like dill and mint, it’s an easy, satisfying dish that brings classic Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 500 g ground chicken
- 60 g red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 g fresh dill, chopped
- 10 g fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tsp Greek seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for pan
Bowls
- 240 g cooked basmati rice
- 100 g Persian cucumber, sliced
- 100 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 50 g Kalamata olives, pitted
- 50 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 80 g tzatziki sauce
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Pita bread or pita chips, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh mint, Greek seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a hand mixer until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture per meatball and roll into uniform balls. Place the formed meatballs on a tray or plate, ready for cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned evenly on all sides and fully cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, remove the meatballs to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked basmati rice evenly among serving bowls. Arrange Persian cucumber slices, cherry tomato halves, and Kalamata olives alongside the rice. Add the cooked chicken meatballs on top, then garnish with crumbled feta cheese and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.
- Serve: Serve the bowls immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over, and pita bread or pita chips if desired. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Greek chicken meatballs bowl!
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to allow even browning of the meatballs.
- You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but use about one-third the amount.
- The bowl can be customized with additional toppings such as sliced red onion, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of extra olive oil.
