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Greek Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Tender Greek-spiced chicken meatballs simmered in a fresh tomato sauce with herbs. A lighter, herbaceous take on a classic comfort dish.

45 minEasyServes 4310 cal/serving

GreekDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled, crumbled
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced, minced
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped, chopped
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs ground chicken, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 oz crumbled feta cheese, crumbled, 4 cloves minced garlic, minced, 2 tsp dried oregano, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, chopped, and to taste salt and black pepper.

  2. 2

    Mix gently until just combined. Form into 16-20 meatballs.

  3. 3

    Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove and set aside.

  4. 4

    In the same skillet, add 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring.

  5. 5

    Deglaze with 1/2 cup dry red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute.

  6. 6

    Stir in 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can), 1 cup vegetable broth, and 1 bay leaf.

  7. 7

    Return meatballs to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.

  8. 8

    Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).

  9. 9

    Remove 1 bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  10. 10

    Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, chopped.

Questions

Can I make Greek Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled, crumbled. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Greek Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Greek Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Greek Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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