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
Scale
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
