Description
For the Meatballs
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Garlic Chickpeas
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, feta, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes until warmed through.
Serve the garlic chickpeas with lemon chicken feta meatballs on top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cooking Time: 20 minutes, Total Time: 35 minutes, Kcal: 480 per serving, Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.
- Prep & Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground chicken, crumbled feta, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands for the best, most even mix.
- Form Meatballs: With slightly damp hands, roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch balls. This ensures even cooking. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Cook Chickpeas: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the drained chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are warm and coated in spices.
- Combine & Serve: Spoon the garlic chickpeas onto a serving platter, top with the baked meatballs, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several sides. For a light, Mediterranean-style meal, serve it over a bed of fresh spinach or arugula, drizzled with a simple lemon vinaigrette. To make it more substantial, accompany it with warm pita bread, couscous, or a cucumber and tomato salad. A dollop of tzatziki or plain Greek yogurt on the side adds a cool, creamy contrast.
How-to Summary
In short, this 35-minute meal involves mixing chicken, feta, and herbs to form meatballs, baking them until golden, and simultaneously sautéing chickpeas with garlic and warm spices. Combine them on a plate for a protein-packed, flavor-filled dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is an excellent 1:1 substitute and will yield a very similar result.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the raw meatballs, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them raw on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
My meatballs are falling apart. What did I do wrong?
This is often due to insufficient binding agents. Ensure you used the full 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs and one large egg. Chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before rolling can also help them hold shape.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats blitzed into a coarse flour for the meatball mixture.
Are the chickpeas crispy?
This recipe creates warm, flavorful chickpeas, not crispy ones. For crispier chickpeas, roast them on a separate sheet pan in the oven with the oil and spices for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meat: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined. Overworking the ground chicken can lead to dense, tough meatballs.
- Uneven Meatball Sizes: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to ensure all meatballs are the same size for consistent cooking.
- Burning the Garlic: When cooking the garlic for the chickpeas, keep the heat at medium and stir constantly for just one minute. Burnt garlic will taste bitter.
- Skipping the Lemon Zest: The lemon zest is crucial for bright, fresh flavor. Do not substitute it with more juice.
Conclusion
These Lemon Chicken Feta Meatballs with Garlic Chickpeas offer a perfect balance of zesty, savory, and hearty flavors, all ready in just 35 minutes. This recipe is a reliable weeknight winner that feels special enough for guests. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a nutritious and delicious meal that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean right from your own kitchen.