Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish brings together wholesome ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors in a single skillet. The chicken meatballs are juicy and spiced just right, while the tomato and chickpea base adds heartiness and depth. It’s protein-packed, meal-prep friendly, and versatile enough to serve over grains, with flatbread, or on its own. Plus, everything cooks in one pan for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the meatballs:
- Ground chicken
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (grated or finely chopped)
- Fresh parsley
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs or almond flour (for binding)
- Olive oil (for searing)
For the sauce:
- Olive oil
- Garlic (sliced or minced)
- Cherry tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes
- Cooked chickpeas (canned or fresh)
- Tomato paste (optional, for depth)
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or crumbled feta
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients until well combined. Form into small balls (about 1.5 inches).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs until golden on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, chickpeas, tomato paste (if using), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, breaking down the tomatoes slightly if using fresh.
- Return the meatballs to the pan and nestle them into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.
- Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time is 25–30 minutes. Total time: about 45 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add harissa or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian: Replace meatballs with falafel or grilled halloumi.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herb-forward: Mix chopped mint or dill with the parsley for a bright twist.
- With grains: Serve over couscous, rice, quinoa, or orzo for a complete meal.
- Dairy addition: Top with crumbled feta or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. The dish also freezes well—freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
FAQs
Can I bake the meatballs instead of searing?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, then transfer to the sauce to simmer.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Cherry tomatoes work great for fresh flavor, but canned crushed or fire-roasted tomatoes offer richness and convenience.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a great substitute and works just as well.
Do I need to cook the chickpeas before adding?
If using canned chickpeas, just rinse and drain them. If using dried, cook them beforehand until tender.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish keeps well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
What can I serve with this dish?
Try flatbread, couscous, rice, or a simple cucumber salad on the side.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for the meatballs.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, simply avoid adding cheese or yogurt garnishes.
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Be sure to use a binder like egg and breadcrumbs, and don’t overmix the meat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs with Tomatoes and Chickpeas is a flavorful, nutrient-rich dish that comes together with ease and satisfies every craving. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder offers bold taste, wholesome ingredients, and unbeatable simplicity. Try it once and it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
PrintMediterranean Chicken Meatballs, Tomatoes, and Chickpeas
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs with Tomatoes and Chickpeas is a one-pan meal that combines juicy, spiced chicken meatballs with a rich tomato and chickpea sauce. It’s bursting with bright herbs, warm spices, and zesty citrus, perfect for a healthy, comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
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Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix until combined and form into 1.5-inch meatballs.,Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and sear until golden on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through). Remove and set aside.,In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.,Add cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, tomato paste (if using), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, breaking down tomatoes slightly if fresh.,Return the meatballs to the skillet. Nestle them into the sauce, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.,Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed.,Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with flatbread, rice, or grains of choice.
Notes
- Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.,Substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred.,Crumbled feta or Greek yogurt makes a great topping.,Bake meatballs at 400°F for 15 minutes instead of pan-searing, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
