Mediterranean Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic-Lemon Yogurt Sauce

Table of Contents

These juicy, tender chicken meatballs are packed with Mediterranean herbs and served in a creamy yet light garlic-lemon yogurt sauce—perfect with pita, couscous, or roasted vegetables!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: ~35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken (or turkey/lamb)

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (adds a Mediterranean touch!)

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)

1 egg

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or mint

For the Garlic-Lemon Yogurt Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt

2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

2 cloves garlic, minced or grated

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp ground cumin

2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley

For Serving (Optional):

Whole wheat pita or couscous

Roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant)

Fresh cucumber & tomato salad

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, feta, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley/mint until well combined.

Roll into 1-inch meatballs (makes about 18-20).

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sear meatballs for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic-Lemon Yogurt Sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and fresh dill/parsley until smooth.