Juicy golden chicken meatballs simmered in a zesty lemon herb sauce and paired with a creamy garlic yogurt dip—this dish is a perfect balance of brightness and richness. Light yet satisfying, these meatballs are ideal for dinners, appetizers, or even meal prep throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lemon herb chicken meatballs are tender, flavorful, and versatile. The vibrant lemon sauce complements the savory meatballs beautifully, while the garlic yogurt dip provides a creamy and cooling contrast. This dish is high in protein, easy to prepare, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors that work well in every season. Whether served as a main course, side dish, or party bite, they’re sure to impress.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Lemon Herb Sauce:

1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp chopped parsley

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Shape the mixture into 12–14 evenly sized small meatballs.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides evenly.
Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid, stir in the butter and chopped parsley, and simmer uncovered for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated garlic, olive oil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve the meatballs hot, spooned with the lemon herb sauce and a generous dollop of garlic yogurt sauce on the side. Optional: garnish with lemon wedges and more parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the meatball mix for heat.
Use turkey: Ground turkey can be substituted for chicken for a slightly different flavor.
Add herbs: Try dill or mint in the yogurt sauce for a refreshing twist.
Serve over grains: These meatballs pair well with couscous, rice, or quinoa.
Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the sauce and omit the butter from the sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftover meatballs and sauces separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. The yogurt sauce should be served cold or brought to room temperature before serving.
These meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes or until cooked through. You can finish them in the sauce on the stovetop.

What’s the best yogurt for the garlic sauce?

Full-fat Greek yogurt provides the best texture and flavor, but low-fat versions can also be used.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also cook and reheat them later.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

They should be golden on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I substitute fresh herbs with dried ones?

Yes, use 1/3 the amount if substituting dried herbs for fresh.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the flavors are mild and balanced. You can omit garlic or reduce lemon if needed.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with rice, pita, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or work in batches.

Conclusion

Lemon Herb Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Yogurt Sauce are a bright, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare, nutritious, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor, this recipe is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Serve them with your favorite side dishes or on their own for a light and refreshing meal that’s sure to become a favorite.