Delicious Chimichurri Chicken Meatballs with Feta Cream: Your Gourmet Dinner Escape

Chimichurri Chicken Meatballs are a truly delicious, vibrant, and elegant dish that brings the fresh, bold flavors of South America to your table. Imagine perfectly baked, tender chicken meatballs coated in a zesty, herbaceous chimichurri sauce, all served over a cool, tangy blanket of whipped feta cream. These meatballs are surprisingly easy to make and are a guaranteed show-stopper for dinner parties, brunches, or a flavorful weeknight meal.

This recipe celebrates the art of flavor layering: warm, savory meatballs are contrasted with cool, creamy feta and bright, acidic herbs. It proves that sophisticated, gourmet results are entirely achievable with minimal fuss. You can visit our New York for more delicious recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Feature	Benefit
Flavor Explosion	Zesty, garlicky chimichurri meets rich, tangy feta cream.
Healthy & Lean	Baked chicken meatballs provide a satisfying, lean protein.
Elegant Contrast	Warm, savory meat is perfectly contrasted with cool, creamy, tangy cheese.
Make-Ahead Friendly	Meatballs and sauces can be prepped ahead, assembled just before serving.
Low Carb Friendly	Excellent served as-is for a light, high-protein, low-carb meal.

An Overview of Flavors and Textures

The Chimichurri Chicken Meatballs with Feta Cream are a symphony of fresh, savory, and tangy flavors with delightful textures.

The chicken meatballs are baked until they are tender and firm, seasoned simply with salt and garlic. The panko breadcrumbs ensure a light and moist texture.

The chimichurri sauce is the essence of the dish, providing a bold, zesty, and herbaceous tang from fresh parsley and white wine vinegar, with a savory depth from garlic and dried oregano.

The feta cream serves as the cool, creamy base, a velvety smooth blend of briny feta cheese, whole milk, and bright lemon juice. Its rich tang perfectly cuts through the savory, garlicky heat of the chimichurri. This Chimichurri Chicken Meatballs dish is a truly addictive blend of savory, creamy, zesty, and herbaceous notes.

The Star of the Show: The Zesty Chimichurri Sauce

While the tender meatballs are central, the true defining characteristic and “star” of these Chimichurri Chicken Meatballs is the bright, zesty Chimichurri Sauce. This uncooked sauce is a staple of Argentinian and Uruguayan cuisine, known for its vibrant green color and powerful herbaceous, garlicky flavor.¹ Its base of finely chopped fresh parsley, olive oil, and sharp white wine vinegar provides a crucial acidic counterpoint to the rich meat and creamy feta. Spooning the bold, zesty chimichurri over the warm chicken creates an immediate explosion of fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish from simple meatballs to a complex, gourmet appetizer.

How to Make Your Chimichurri Chicken Meatballs with Feta Cream

This recipe is simple and designed for efficiency. The key steps involve baking the meatballs and blending the creamy feta base.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 portions

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Component	Amount	Ingredient	Notes
Chicken Meatballs:	1	Egg	Large
	1 tbsp	Extra-virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
	¾ tsp	Kosher salt
	½ tsp	Granulated garlic
	½ tsp	Black pepper
	1 lb	Ground chicken or turkey
	⅓ cup	Panko breadcrumbs	Use Aleia’s brand for gluten-free
	As needed	Non-stick spray	For baking
Chimichurri:	½ cup	Very finely chopped fresh parsley
	2 tbsp	White wine vinegar
	1 clove	Garlic, grated or minced
	½ tsp	Kosher salt
	¼ tsp	Dried oregano
	¼ tsp	Ground sumac (or paprika)
	¼ cup plus 1 tbsp	Extra-virgin olive oil
Feta Cream:	1 (6-oz) block	Feta cheese
	⅓ cup	Whole milk (or half-and-half)
	1 tbsp	Fresh lemon juice
Optional Garnish:	As needed	Lemon zest
	As needed	Microgreens

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200°C).² Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick spray.
2. Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ¾ teaspoon of salt, granulated garlic, and black pepper. Add the ground chicken and panko breadcrumbs, mixing gently with your hands until the ingredients are just combined. Do not overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into 16–18 golf ball-size portions. Lightly oil your hands and roll into balls, placing them 1–2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
3. Bake Meatballs: Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm to the touch and lightly golden, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Prepare Chimichurri: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped parsley, white wine vinegar, grated garlic, ½ teaspoon of salt, dried oregano, and ground sumac (or paprika). Stir in the olive oil and mix well. Set aside.
5. Prepare Feta Cream: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the feta, whole milk, and lemon juice.³ Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
6. Assemble and Serve: Spread a layer of the cool feta cream on a serving platter or individual plates. Scatter the warm chicken meatballs on top and spoon the chimichurri generously over the meatballs. Garnish with lemon zest or microgreens. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips for Your Meatballs

Category	Tip
Meatball Texture	Do not overmix the ground chicken/panko. Mixing just until combined ensures the meatballs stay light and tender, not dense.
Chimichurri Prep	Chimichurri is best made at least 30 minutes ahead of time to allow the flavors to fully meld.
Feta Cream	Use a full-fat feta block for the richest flavor. If the cream is too thick, add a splash of extra milk; if too thin, add a tablespoon more crumbled feta.
Serving Temperature	The contrast between the warm meatballs and the cool, tangy feta cream is key to the dish’s appeal. Serve immediately upon assembly.
Storage	Cooked meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days. Store the chimichurri and feta cream separately.

Conclusion: Your Deliciously Easy & Elegant Dinner

The Chimichurri Chicken Meatballs with Feta Cream are a true triumph of flavor—a perfect balance of zesty freshness, savory meat, and cool creaminess that makes for an elegant and satisfying meal. With their bold South American flavors, they are a fantastic solution for a quick and gourmet dinner. Easy to prepare and stunning to present, this Chimichurri Chicken Meatballs recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground chicken.4 Ensure you use lean ground turkey for the best results.

Can I air fry the meatballs?

Yes, you can! Place the rolled meatballs in a preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) and air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until cooked through.

Can I make the feta cream ahead of time?

Yes, the feta cream can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Whisk it again briefly before serving if it has stiffened.

What should I serve these meatballs with?

These are excellent served over rice, quinoa, or with crusty grilled bread to scoop up the remaining chimichurri and feta cream.

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