Spinach Feta Chicken Meatballs

There is something so satisfying about a plate of tender, juicy meatballs that feel both hearty and fresh at the same time. These spinach feta chicken meatballs are packed with savory flavor, flecks of green spinach, and little bursts of creamy feta in every bite. They are light enough for meal prep, yet flavorful enough to make you genuinely excited for lunch the next day. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Why These Flavor Packed Meatballs Make Meal Prep Easy

When you are planning your week, you want something that reheats beautifully and still tastes amazing on day three. These meatballs stay juicy, thanks to the feta and spinach, and they pair with just about anything. Rice bowls, wraps, salads, or even on their own, they never feel boring.

And now let’s dive into the Mediterranean inspired flavors that make them shine.

The Mediterranean Inspiration Behind This Recipe

Spinach and feta are a classic combination in Mediterranean cooking. You will find them together in pastries, pies, and savory dishes because the salty creaminess of feta balances the earthy freshness of spinach so beautifully. Adding lean ground chicken makes the dish lighter while still satisfying.

It is simple, wholesome, and packed with bright flavor.

Why This Recipe Is So Reliable

Before we start mixing, here is why this one deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.

Versatile: Serve them in bowls, wraps, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Budget-Friendly: Ground chicken and simple ingredients keep it affordable.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: Add herbs or spices to adjust the flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters love tender chicken meatballs.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking.

Great for Leftovers: They stay moist and flavorful for days.

Now let’s talk about a few insider tips.

Smart Tips for Tender, Juicy Meatballs

1. Do not overmix the meat mixture or the meatballs can become dense.
2. Finely chop the spinach so it blends evenly throughout.
3. Lightly oil your hands when rolling to prevent sticking.
4. Bake just until cooked through to keep them juicy.

With those in mind, let’s gather the essentials.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all ingredients evenly.

Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment for easy cleanup.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate seasoning.

Cookie Scoop: Helps create evenly sized meatballs.

Now let’s talk about what goes into them.

Ingredients That Bring These Meatballs to Life

1. Ground Chicken: 1 pound, lean and tender base.
2. Fresh Spinach: 1 cup, finely chopped, for color and moisture.
3. Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled, adding creamy saltiness.
4. Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for savory depth.
5. Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced, for subtle sweetness.
6. Egg: 1 large, helping bind everything together.
7. Breadcrumbs: 1/3 cup, for structure and tenderness.
8. Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon, adding Mediterranean flavor.
9. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhancing taste.
10. Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, for gentle warmth.
11. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for brushing or drizzling before baking.

If you need flexibility, here are some easy swaps.

Simple Ingredient Substitutions

Ground Chicken: Substitute ground turkey if preferred.

Fresh Spinach: Use frozen spinach, thawed and well drained.

Breadcrumbs: Replace with gluten free breadcrumbs if needed.

Feta Cheese: Try goat cheese for a slightly tangier flavor.

Now let’s highlight what makes these truly special.

The Flavor Combination That Makes Them Stand Out

Spinach: Adds moisture and freshness, keeping the meatballs tender.

Feta Cheese: Melts slightly inside, creating little pockets of creamy, salty goodness.

And now, let’s cook together.

Let’s Make These Perfect for Meal Prep

Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, chopped spinach, crumbled feta, minced garlic, diced red onion, egg, breadcrumbs, oregano, salt, and black pepper until just combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Use a scoop or your hands to form 16 evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Assemble the Dish: Lightly brush or drizzle olive oil over the tops to help them brown.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden.
6. Finishing Touches: Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or portion into meal prep containers for the week.

Texture and Flavor Experience

These meatballs are tender and juicy inside, with a lightly golden exterior. The spinach keeps them moist, and the feta adds little bursts of creamy saltiness. Each bite feels balanced, fresh, and satisfying. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Extra Cooking Tips

• Do not pack the meat too tightly when shaping.
• Check internal temperature, it should reach 165 degrees F.
• Add a squeeze of lemon before serving for brightness.

What to Avoid for Best Results

• Overbaking can dry them out.
• Skipping seasoning may leave them bland.
• Using wet spinach without draining can make them too soft.

Nutrition Overview

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 320

Note: These are approximate values.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Serving Ideas

Pair with rice, quinoa, or a crisp salad. They are also delicious tucked into pita bread with yogurt sauce.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Slice and add to wraps, crumble into pasta, or toss into a grain bowl with roasted vegetables.

Additional Helpful Details

Taste a small cooked piece before shaping all meatballs to adjust seasoning if needed.

Make Them Look Beautiful

Serve on a white platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges for color contrast.

Variations to Try

1. Add chopped sun dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
2. Mix in fresh parsley or dill.
3. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
4. Serve with a yogurt cucumber sauce.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I cook these in a skillet instead?

Yes, cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through.

Q2: Can I freeze them raw?

Yes, freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a bag.

Q3: How do I keep them from drying out?

Do not overbake and include enough feta and egg.

Q4: Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just squeeze out excess moisture first.

Q5: Are they good for meal prep?

Absolutely, they store and reheat very well.

Q6: Can I make them dairy free?

Omit feta or use a dairy free alternative.

Q7: How many meatballs does this make?

About 16 medium sized meatballs.

Q8: What sauce pairs well?

Tzatziki or a light tomato sauce works beautifully.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger baking sheet.

Q10: How long do they last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored properly.

Conclusion

These spinach feta chicken meatballs are simple, flavorful, and perfect for keeping your week on track. They are juicy, satisfying, and easy to pair with so many sides. Once you try them, they will quickly become a go to meal prep favorite.

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