Spinach Feta Chicken Meatballs Recipe

The Perfect Spinach Feta Chicken Meatballs Recipe for Busy Nights

Spinach feta chicken meatballs bring a Mediterranean twist to classic comfort food, revolutionizeing ordinary protein into something extraordinary.

These delectable spheres of savory goodness pack incredible flavor and nutritional punch into every single bite.

Lean ground chicken serves as the perfect canvas for vibrant green spinach and tangy feta cheese, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Herbs and spices elevate this dish beyond standard meatball expectations, offering a refined yet approachable culinary experience.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with basic kitchen skills and a few strategic techniques.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a meal that feels both familiar and excitingly different.

Each meatball represents a small celebration of bold, fresh flavors that will make dinner feel special.

Why Spinach Feta Chicken Meatballs Are a Winner

  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from ground chicken, nutrient-dense spinach, and calcium-rich feta, these meatballs deliver a healthy punch in every delicious bite.
  • Speed-Friendly Meal Solution: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, these meatballs are perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick meal prep without sacrificing flavor.
  • Low-Carb Comfort Food: Using almond meal instead of traditional breadcrumbs creates a gluten-free, keto-friendly option that's lighter and more diet-friendly than classic meatballs, while still maintaining a satisfying texture and incredible taste.
  • Effortless Gourmet Experience: Simple one-bowl mixing method and straightforward baking technique mean even novice cooks can create restaurant-quality meatballs with minimal cooking skills and maximum flavor impact.

What You’ll Need to Make These Juicy Bites

Protein Base:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main body of the meatballs, best when fresh and not too fatty.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the meatballs together and adds moisture.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that provides earthy and slightly bitter flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and color to the dish.
  • Garlic, Onion: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Binding and Texture Ingredients:
  • Almond Meal: Gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs that adds nutty flavor and helps bind the meatballs.
  • Spinach: Nutrient-rich green that adds moisture, color, and a subtle earthy taste.
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy and salty cheese that brings a creamy texture and Mediterranean character to the meatballs.

How to Form and Cook Feta-Infused Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Almond meal
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 3: Add Egg Binder

Crack eggs and whisk them into the almond meal mixture until well blended.

Step 4: Mix in Fresh Ingredients

Fold in the following ingredients:
  • Chopped spinach
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Chopped parsley
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic

Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Incorporate Ground Chicken

Gently mix ground chicken into the seasoned mixture, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Shape Meatballs

Use a 1½-inch scoop to form uniform meatballs. Place them evenly on prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and golden brown.

Tips for Getting That Perfect Golden Finish

  • Squeeze Moisture Out: Pat spinach completely dry to prevent soggy meatballs and maintain ideal texture.
  • Gentle Mixing Magic: Handle ground chicken delicately to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough, dense results.
  • Uniform Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop for consistent meatball sizes, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
  • Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe chicken consumption.
  • Flavor Boost Trick: Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing overall taste and moisture.

Storing and Reheating Without Drying Them Out

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep them away from raw foods to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated meatballs in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, turning halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Great Sides for These Greek-Style Bites

  • Pair with Mediterranean Salad: Toss crisp romaine, cucumber, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes with a light lemon-oregano vinaigrette that complements the herbs in the meatballs.
  • Serve with Tzatziki Dip: Create a cool, tangy yogurt sauce with grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and a splash of olive oil to balance the rich, savory chicken meatballs.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Greek Assyrtiko or a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the feta's saltiness and enhances the spinach's earthiness.
  • Accompany with Roasted Vegetable Orzo: Prepare a light pasta side with roasted zucchini, red peppers, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta to echo the meatballs' Mediterranean flavors.

Swaps and Mix-Ins for New Flavor Combos

  • Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap ground chicken for ground lamb, add mint leaves, and include crumbled goat cheese for a rich, herbaceous Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace oregano with chili powder, add diced jalapeños, swap feta for pepper jack cheese, and mix in some chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Herb Garden Boost: Incorporate additional fresh herbs like dill, basil, and thyme to enhance the green profile, using a blend of mixed green herbs for a more complex and vibrant flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Italian Style: Use grated parmesan instead of feta, add sun-dried tomatoes, include Italian seasoning, and mix in some crushed red pepper flakes for a classic Italian-inspired low-carb option.
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Spinach Feta Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Spinach Feta Chicken Meatballs Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spinach feta chicken meatballs combine Mediterranean flavors in a protein-packed bite. Rich herbal notes and creamy cheese elevate these tender meatballs, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable forkful.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds ground chicken (93% Lean | 7% Fat)
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, finely crumbled
  • 2 large eggs

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped parsley

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

  • ½ cup almond meal or almond flour (use breadcrumbs for non-low-carb version)
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for optimal cooking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend almond meal with dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a well-seasoned base.
  3. Whisk the eggs thoroughly, then gently incorporate them into the almond meal mixture, creating a cohesive binding agent for the meatballs.
  4. Finely chop fresh spinach, crumble tangy feta cheese, mince fragrant parsley, dice crisp onion, and mince aromatic garlic, then fold these ingredients into the mixture.
  5. Carefully introduce ground chicken to the bowl, using a light touch to mix until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overworking the meat which can result in tough meatballs.
  6. Utilize a 1½-inch (3.8 centimeters) cookie scoop to form uniform meatballs, placing them evenly across the prepared baking sheets with slight spacing between each.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken meatballs with a golden exterior.

Notes

  • Swap almond meal with breadcrumbs if gluten-free isn’t a priority for quick preparation.
  • Ensure chicken is thoroughly mixed without overworking to maintain tender, juicy meatballs.
  • Chop spinach finely to distribute evenly and prevent large leafy chunks in each bite.
  • Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for food safety.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to preserve moisture.
  • Serve with tzatziki, marinara sauce, or atop a fresh Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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