(Narrated by NBA stars who know good food fuels greatness.)
LeBron James (“The King of the Kitchen”)
“Alright, team. We’re making Mini Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs, packed with flavor, protein, and championship-level taste. These little guys are juicy, herby, and perfect for meal prep or a quick snack. And don’t worry, this recipe is sized down for a small batch—because not everyone is feeding an entire team after practice!”
🛒 Mini-Sized Ingredients for a Mini-Sized Feast
(Makes about 10 mini meatballs—just enough for a personal post-game meal or a snack for two.)
For the Meatballs:
- ½ pound ground chicken (lean, but still full of flavor)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1 small egg (gotta bind it all together)
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled (for that Mediterranean kick)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (key to Greek vibes)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic = greatness)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin (adds depth)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (keeps ‘em juicy)
For the Greek Yogurt Sauce:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (protein-packed goodness)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (keeps things fresh)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
🔥 Step-By-Step Instructions
Steph Curry (“Handles Everything in the Kitchen”)
“Quick, easy, and effective—that’s the game plan here. Let’s get these meatballs rolling.”
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your tiny oven (or toaster oven) to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix It Like a Pro
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, feta, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle in olive oil and mix everything with your hands (or a spoon if you’re feeling fancy).
Step 3: Roll the Meatballs
- With lightly oiled hands, shape the mixture into 10 small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place them evenly on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake & Let ‘Em Shine
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through so they brown evenly.
- The internal temp should hit 165°F (74°C) for a perfect finish.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- While the meatballs bake, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Stir well and let it chill while the meatballs finish cooking.
Step 6: Serve Like a Champ
- Let the meatballs rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Dunk them in the sauce, serve with pita, hummus, or a fresh salad, and enjoy!
🏆 Pro Tips from the NBA Legends
LeBron James (“King of Flavor”)
“Want extra juiciness? Add a teaspoon of grated onion to the mix.”
Kevin Durant (“Slim Reaper of Spices”)
“Spice it up—throw in some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika!”
Giannis Antetokounmpo (“Greek Freak Approved”)
“Make it extra Greek with a squeeze of lemon and a side of tzatziki.”
Joel Embiid (“Trust the Process”)
“No breadcrumbs? No problem—use crushed crackers or almond flour.”
🥡 How to Store & Reheat Like a Pro
Storage:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat whenever you need a protein boost.
Reheating:
- Oven/Toaster Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Microwave: 30-second bursts until warm.
🔄 Recipe Variations
1. Low-Carb Power Play
- Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour.
2. Extra Protein Game
- Mix in ½ scoop of unflavored protein powder (trust us, it works).
3. Cheesy MVP Move
- Stuff each meatball with a cube of mozzarella before baking.
🔥 Final Thoughts from the NBA Stars
LeBron James: “This is GOAT-level meal prep. Easy, fast, and full of flavor.”
Steph Curry: “Handles in the kitchen = handles on the court. These meatballs are smooth!”
Giannis Antetokounmpo: “Greek-inspired? I approve. Let’s make these every week.”
Kevin Durant: “MVP performance. No weak flavors here.”
And that’s it—Mini Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs that are perfect for game night, meal prep, or post-workout refuel. Try them out and let us know if they make it into your starting lineup! 🏆🔥
Want more high-protein, easy meals? Check out this collection of quick Mediterranean recipes for more inspo!
