Description
These Chicken Cilantro Meatballs are a flavorful and moist dish combining ground chicken with aromatic cilantro, cumin, and marjoram. Paired with a creamy and tangy yogurt sauce infused with garlic and lemon, this recipe offers a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons cilantro (coriander), chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dusting
Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 1 tablespoon cilantro (coriander), chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, diced onion, chopped cilantro, cumin, marjoram, egg, olive oil, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Chill the mixture: Place the meatball mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and for the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquids, enhancing texture and flavor.
- Make the yogurt sauce: While the meatballs chill, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, pressed garlic, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Mix well until smooth.
- Chill the yogurt sauce: Refrigerate the yogurt sauce until it’s time to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Heat the pan: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil to prevent sticking while cooking the meatballs.
- Prepare the meatballs for cooking: Rub your hands with some flour to avoid sticking. Take a spoonful of the chicken mixture, roll it lightly in flour, shake off any excess flour, and form into a round ball.
- Cook the meatballs: Place the meatballs in the hot pan and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, turning carefully until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain the meatballs: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Cook remaining meatballs: Repeat the process in batches until all the meatball mixture has been cooked.
- Serve: Plate the chicken cilantro meatballs and serve immediately with the chilled yogurt sauce alongside for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Ensure meatballs are cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs.
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken for a slightly different flavor.
- The yogurt sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: chicken meatballs, cilantro meatballs, yogurt sauce, easy dinner, Mediterranean chicken recipe, healthy meatballs
