Mediterranean Lemon Chive Chicken Meatballs Recipe (Low Calorie, 20 Minutes) by Donna John

Meatballs are one of my favorite things to cook for dinner. Meatball recipes are generally easy to make and are quick to get on the table on busy nights. These easy meatballs are healthier because they are made with ground chicken. Garlic, lemon and fresh chives elevate these Mediterranean-inspired meatballs to flavortown status. Delicious!

To make these low-calorie, low-sodium and budget-friendly meatballs you need just a few ingredients. Here is your shopping list: ground chicken, garlic, an egg, seasoned dry breadcrumbs, fresh chives, parsley flakes, a lemon for zesting and olive oil for frying.

Serve these meatballs for dinner over a grain, pasta or rice. I served mine over a quinoa-seed mix with a side of roasted broccoli. These juicy chicken meatballs are also delicious as part of a grain bowl or main dish salad.

Check out the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet! 

Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound (16 ounces) ground chicken 
• 5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 1 - 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying

Recipe Notes

• Serve the chicken meatballs as a main dish or use them in grain bowls.
  

• I used herb and garlic seasoned breadcrumbs, but you could use Italian or your favorite flavor.

• I used ground chicken breast for this recipe.

• You could use chopped fresh parsley instead of parsley flakes.

• For extra lemon flavor, squeeze the cooked meatballs with some fresh lemon juice.

• Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. 

Here's how to make it: 

1. Combine the chicken, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, chives, parsley flakes and lemon zest in a mixing bowl. Season well with salt and pepper.
   
2. Mix together until thoroughly combined. Shape into meatballs.
   
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the meatballs and cook over medium heat until golden brown on one side.
   
4. Turn the meatballs over and continue to cook until cooked through (165 degrees F internal temperature).
   
   
   

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. This recipe has been analyzed by HappyForks. However, any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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