Mediterranean Chicken Meatball Bowls
A vibrant meal featuring juicy chicken meatballs, refreshing vegetables, and zesty rice, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Paleo
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (can use whole wheat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (for flavoring the rice)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Make the Lemony Rice: While the meatballs are cooking, stir lemon juice into your cooked rice. This adds a refreshing zest that complements the flavors of the meatballs beautifully.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, add a generous scoop of the lemony rice. Top with the roasted meatballs, followed by the diced cucumber and tomato for a fresh crunch.
- Drizzle with Tzatziki: Finish each bowl with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. This creamy sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture, making every bite delicious.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meatballs and consider chilling them before cooking for better shape retention.