What I Eat on a Glp-1
What I Eat on a GLP-1 is a medium Greek recipe that serves 5. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by small things daily on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $24.25 total, $4.85 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Ground Chicken (93% lean, preferably from Costco)
- 0.5 cup Plain Breadcrumbs (Panko works best for light texture)
- 1 piece Large Egg (Room temperature)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
- 0.25 cup Greek Dressing (store‑bought) (Contains feta and olives; use for meatballs and salad)
- 1 head Romaine Lettuce (Chopped roughly)
- 1 medium Cucumber (Diced)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Halved)
- 0.25 piece Red Onion (Thinly sliced)
- 0.25 cup Kalamata Olives (Sliced)
- 0.25 cup Feta Cheese (Crumled)
- 0.25 cup Roasted Red Pepper Hummus (Store‑bought, for dipping)
- 4 pieces Pita Bread (small) (Warm before serving)
- 1 spray Olive Oil Spray (For the baking sheet)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the meatballs.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Mix Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with a spoon or hands until just combined; over‑mixing can make the meatballs tough.
Time: PT2M
Form Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1‑inch (≈2.5 cm) meatballs, about 20 total. Place them evenly on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
Time: PT5M
Bake Meatballs
Spray the meatballs lightly with olive oil spray. Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare Greek Salad
While the meatballs bake, chop the romaine lettuce, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, and slice the olives. Combine all in a salad bowl, add crumbled feta, and toss with 2 Tbsp of the Greek dressing.
Time: PT10M
Plate and Serve
Arrange the baked meatballs on a serving plate. Add a generous scoop of salad on the side, a dollop of roasted red‑pepper hummus, and warm pita pieces. Drizzle any remaining Greek dressing over the meatballs if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: High‑Protein, Low‑Carb (if using fewer pita pieces), Gluten‑Free option available with gluten‑free breadcrumbs and gluten‑free pita
Allergens: Egg, Dairy (feta), Gluten (breadcrumbs, pita)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Chicken: Ground Turkey, Ground Pork
- Instead of Plain Breadcrumbs: Gluten‑Free Breadcrumbs, Crushed Cornflakes
- Instead of Large Egg: Egg White (2), Flax Egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh Minced Garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian Seasoning (½ tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt, Kosher Salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White Pepper
- Instead of Greek Dressing (store‑bought): Homemade Greek Vinaigrette
- Instead of Romaine Lettuce: Iceberg Lettuce, Mixed Greens
- Instead of Cucumber: Zucchini (peeled)
- Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: Grape Tomatoes
- Instead of Red Onion: White Onion
- Instead of Kalamata Olives: Green Olives
- Instead of Feta Cheese: Goat Cheese
- Instead of Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Classic Hummus
- Instead of Pita Bread (small): Whole‑Wheat Pita, Low‑Carb Wraps
- Instead of Olive Oil Spray: Vegetable Oil Spray
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Meat Thermometer
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Salad Bowl
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mixing the meatball mixture without over‑working it.
- Forming uniformly sized meatballs for even cooking.
- Baking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Keeping the salad crisp by drying lettuce before dressing.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, mix a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (parsley or mint) into the meatball mixture.
- Toast the pita briefly in the oven (5 min at 350°F) for a warm, slightly crisp texture.
- If you like a smoky note, drizzle a little smoked paprika over the meatballs before baking.
Troubleshooting
Meatballs are dry or crumbly.
Add a tablespoon of cold water or an extra egg white to the mixture; avoid over‑mixing.
Meatballs are undercooked in the center.
Check the oven temperature with an oven thermometer and ensure the meat thermometer reads 165°F. Add a few extra minutes if needed.
Salad becomes soggy.
Dry lettuce thoroughly with a salad spinner and add dressing just before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep salad separate and dress just before serving.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; they last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Room temperature: Pita and hummus can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; discard if left longer.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Form and freeze raw meatballs on a tray; bake directly from frozen, adding 5‑7 minutes to cooking time.
- Prep all salad vegetables in advance and store in a sealed container; add dressing just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Greek chicken meatballs in Greek cuisine?
Greek meatballs, known as keftedes, have been a staple of Greek home cooking for centuries, traditionally made with lamb or beef and flavored with herbs, garlic, and sometimes cheese. Using ground chicken is a modern, lighter twist that keeps the classic herb profile while reducing fat.
What are traditional regional variations of keftedes (Greek meatballs) in Greece?
In Crete, keftedes often include grated orange zest and mint; in the mainland, they may be fried in olive oil and served with a tomato‑onion sauce. Some islands add feta or grated cheese directly into the meat mixture, similar to this recipe’s use of Greek dressing.
How is Greek chicken meatballs traditionally served in Greek households?
Traditionally, keftedes are served warm with a side of tzatziki, fresh pita, and a simple Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta. The combination of protein, fresh vegetables, and bread reflects the Mediterranean emphasis on balance.
What occasions or celebrations is keftedes (Greek meatballs) associated with in Greek culture?
Keftedes are popular at family gatherings, picnics, and festive occasions such as Easter and name‑day celebrations. Their bite‑size nature makes them perfect for sharing and for buffet‑style meals.
What makes Greek chicken meatballs special compared to regular chicken meatballs in American cuisine?
Greek chicken meatballs are seasoned with oregano, garlic, and often a touch of feta or Greek dressing, giving them a bright, herbaceous flavor profile that differs from the more neutral seasoning typical in American chicken meatballs.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Greek chicken meatballs?
Common pitfalls include over‑mixing the meat, which creates a dense texture, and under‑cooking the meatballs. Always mix just until combined and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
Why does this recipe bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Baking reduces added fat, keeps the kitchen cleaner, and allows you to cook a larger batch evenly. It also makes it easier to prep ahead and reheat without sacrificing moisture when the meatballs are baked with a light olive‑oil spray.
Can I make Greek chicken meatballs ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can form and freeze the raw meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5‑7 minutes, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Greek chicken meatballs are done?
The meatballs should be golden‑brown on the outside, firm to the touch, and the interior should be fully cooked with no pink. A meat thermometer reading of 165°F (74°C) confirms doneness.
What does the YouTube channel small things daily specialize in?
The YouTube channel small things daily focuses on practical, family‑friendly meal planning, weight‑loss journeys using GLP‑1 medications, and easy‑to‑prepare, nutritious recipes that fit busy homeschooling households.
How does the YouTube channel small things daily's approach to Greek-inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?
small things daily emphasizes flexible, scalable recipes that can be pre‑pped in bulk and customized for individual preferences, rather than strict traditional methods. The channel blends health‑focused nutrition (high protein, low carb) with familiar Mediterranean flavors.
Last updated: September 1, 2026








