Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Meatballs in the Pressure Cooker Recipe
Introduction
These Mediterranean-spiced chicken meatballs are bursting with vibrant flavors from sumac, cumin, and coriander. Juicy and tender, they bake to golden perfection and pair wonderfully with couscous, fresh vegetables, or hummus for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken breast or thighs (or a mix)
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1 shallot, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon ground sumac
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, shallot, sumac, cumin, coriander, egg, panko breadcrumbs, toasted sesame seeds, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Step 6: Serve warm with couscous, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dollop of hummus or your favorite sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant if not using pre-toasted.
- Mix ground chicken breast and thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Double the recipe for easy meal prep; these meatballs freeze well.
Storage
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them in a pressure cooker or microwave covered lightly until warmed through.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use beef or lamb instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef or lamb, but cooking times and flavor profiles will vary slightly.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Print
Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Meatballs in the Pressure Cooker Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Mediterranean-spiced chicken meatballs are bursting with vibrant flavors from sumac, cumin, and coriander. Juicy and tender, they are baked to golden perfection and pair beautifully with couscous, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dollop of creamy hummus, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken breast or thighs (or a mix)
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1 shallot, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon ground sumac
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped shallot, ground sumac, ground cumin, ground coriander, egg, panko breadcrumbs, toasted sesame seeds, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 ½ inch diameter meatballs, making sure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through internally.
- Rest: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy results.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean meatballs alongside couscous, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a generous dollop of hummus or your favorite sauce for a flavorful, balanced meal.
Notes
- For toasted sesame seeds, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, or use pre-toasted sesame seeds for convenience.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for meal prepping or larger gatherings.
- The meatballs freeze well; to reheat, steam them in a pressure cooker or microwave lightly covered to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean meatballs, chicken meatballs, baked meatballs, sumac meatballs, healthy meatballs, easy dinner, pressure cooker reheating

