Name: Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls: 1 Best Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic; 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 cups rice; 1 cup cucumber; 1 cup tomatoes; 1/2 cup onion; 1/4 cup feta; 1/4 cup tzatziki

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I just have to tell you about these Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls because they are seriously a lifesaver in my kitchen. Just look at those colors. You have the bright red tomatoes and the cool green cucumbers and it just looks like a party in a bowl. I started making these on those crazy Tuesday nights when I wanted something healthy but also really filling and now my whole family begs for them. I love using ground chicken because it stays so light and I usually add a little splash of chicken broth to keep everything juicy instead of using anything heavy. Plus if you are into meal prepping like I try to be then this is going to be your new best friend for the week.

Essential Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls

You probably have most of this in your kitchen already but here is exactly what you need to grab for the meatballs and the base of the bowl.

1 lb ground chicken ensure it is lean but not extra lean for moisture
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
1 large egg lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups cooked basmati rice or quinoa
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1 cucumber diced
1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup hummus or tzatziki
Fresh lemon wedges for serving

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls

You can prepare this entire meal in about 30 minutes which is why I love it so much. The meatballs take roughly 15 to 20 minutes to cook and you can chop all your fresh vegetables at the same time to save yourself a headache later.

Preparing the Meatballs

Grab a large bowl and combine the ground chicken and breadcrumbs and egg and garlic and all those delicious spices. Mix it gently with your hands until it is just combined. You really have to be careful not to overwork the meat or the meatballs will become tough and we want them light and airy. Scoop about two tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. You can place them on a parchment lined baking sheet or sear them in a pan with a little olive oil until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Assembling Your Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls

This is the fun part where everything comes together. Start with a generous base of warm rice or quinoa in each bowl. Arrange your cooked chicken meatballs on one side then fill up the rest of the space with the fresh cucumber and tomatoes and red onion. Add a big dollop of hummus or tzatziki right in the center and sprinkle that feta cheese all over the top. Finish it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten all the flavors and make it taste like sunshine.

Expert Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls

I have made these so many times and I have learned a few tricks along the way to make them even better.

Use wet hands when rolling the meatballs to prevent the chicken from sticking to your skin because it can get pretty sticky
If the meatball mixture feels too soft just put it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before you start rolling them
To keep the meatballs extra juicy you can add a tablespoon of chicken broth or even some grated onion to the meat mixture
For a low carb version you can replace the rice with cauliflower rice or just use a big bed of mixed greens

Frequently Asked Questions about Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls

I get asked about these bowls all the time so here are the answers to the things people usually want to know.

Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?

Yes you can easily substitute ground beef for the chicken in these bowls. The cooking time will stay about the same but just make sure the beef is cooked to the level of doneness that you like best.

How do I store the leftovers?

You should store the meatballs and the fresh vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The meatballs will stay fresh for up to four days. I recommend reheating the meatballs separately before you assemble your bowl so the vegetables stay nice and crisp.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely you can. You can freeze the cooked meatballs for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in a pan or the oven before you serve them in your bowls.

Nutritional Information for Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls

Here is the estimated data per serving so you know exactly what you are getting.

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 680mg