Herby Chicken Meatball Pitas with Jalapeño Tzatziki

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Herby Chicken Meatball Pitas are packed with flavor from the aromatic herbs, and the homemade jalapeño tzatziki sauce adds a creamy, spicy kick that elevates the dish. The chicken meatballs are juicy and tender, while the fresh veggies provide crunch and freshness. Whether you’re craving Mediterranean-inspired flavors or looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy pitas, this recipe has you covered. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and customizable meal that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

For the Jalapeño Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 recipe for tzatziki sauce
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds if you are heat sensitive)*

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound lean ground chicken or turkey (around 93% lean is best)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or sub ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

For Assembly:

• 4 to 8 pieces of pita bread, depending on how you want to serve them
• 4 mini Persian cucumbers, sliced
• 2 roma tomatoes, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced or pickled red onion
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Extra fresh dill

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Jalapeño Tzatziki Sauce:

In a bowl, prepare your tzatziki sauce (if not already made) by combining Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir in the finely diced jalapeño for an extra kick of heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed. Set aside in the fridge to chill while you prepare the meatballs.

2. Make the Chicken Meatballs:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey with the egg, panko breadcrumbs, diced red onion, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, chopped parsley, chopped mint, chopped dill, dried oregano, lemon zest, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated.

3. Form and Cook the Meatballs:

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil (or avocado oil). While the pan heats up, form the chicken mixture into meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on size.

Place the meatballs in the hot skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

4. Prepare the Pitas and Veggies:

While the meatballs cook, slice the pita bread into halves or quarters, depending on how large you want each serving. If you’d like, warm the pita in the skillet for 1-2 minutes for extra softness. Slice the cucumbers, roma tomatoes, and red onion. If you prefer pickled red onion, prepare them in advance or use store-bought pickled red onions for convenience.

5. Assemble the Pitas:

Start by spreading a spoonful of the jalapeño tzatziki sauce on the bottom of each pita. Add 4-6 chicken meatballs (or more, depending on size). Top with sliced cucumbers, roma tomatoes, red onion (pickled or fresh), and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Add extra fresh dill for garnish and flavor.

6. Serve:

Serve the herby chicken meatball pitas immediately, either as individual wraps or as a fun, shareable platter. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Use Ground Beef or Lamb: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can swap the ground chicken or turkey for ground beef or lamb.
• Make it Spicy: Add more jalapeño to the meatball mixture or increase the amount of jalapeño in the tzatziki for extra heat.
• Add More Veggies: Consider adding roasted red peppers, arugula, or baby spinach to the pitas for added flavor and nutrition.
• Substitute the Pita: If you prefer a lower-carb option, use lettuce wraps or gluten-free wraps to assemble the meatballs and veggies.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatballs, tzatziki sauce, and pitas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The tzatziki sauce is best served cold, so store it separately and add it to the pitas just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. Simply form the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought tzatziki. However, making your own sauce adds fresh, bright flavors that truly elevate the dish.

Can I make the meatballs without breadcrumbs?

If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Alternatively, you can use almond flour.

Can I grill the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes! Grilling the meatballs adds a nice smoky flavor. Just preheat your grill and cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can I make the tzatziki sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker tzatziki, use thicker Greek yogurt or strain the yogurt before using it. You can also add less liquid to the sauce, adjusting it to your desired consistency.

Conclusion

These Herby Chicken Meatball Pitas with Jalapeño Tzatziki are a delicious and fun way to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs, the creamy, spicy tzatziki sauce, and the fresh veggies makes for a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or for a meal prep option, these pitas are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with fresh ingredients, this dish is both healthy and indulgent!

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