Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Looking for a delicious family meal that will wow everyone at the dinner table?
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is the perfect solution! This recipe brings together tender chicken meatballs infused with zesty lemon and fresh herbs, served over a fluffy bed of orzo. It’s not just a meal; it’s a flavor experience that transports you to the sunny shores of Greece with every bite.

This dish is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes. The chicken meatballs are moist and savory, with a creamy burst from the feta cheese and a refreshing hint of lemon zest. The orzo, cooked in rich chicken broth, becomes a comforting base for this delightful dish. Together, they create a harmonious meal that feels both special and satisfying.

There are plenty of reasons to give this recipe a try: it’s quick to prepare, perfect for meal prepping, and doesn’t require any complex ingredients. Plus, it’s an easy way to introduce your family to new flavors they’ll love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Made with pantry staples: Easy ingredients you likely already have.
• Family-friendly: A delicious meal that both kids and adults will enjoy.
• Great for leftovers: Enjoy the goodness the next day!

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water, for cooking the orzo)
• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or dill
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, parsley, oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
5. Cook the orzo: In a medium pot, bring chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente.
6. Make the lemon orzo: Once cooked, drain the orzo and return it to the pot. Stir in butter, lemon juice, additional lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Plate the lemon orzo and top with warm chicken meatballs. Garnish with fresh dill, crumbled feta, and lemon wedges.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the meat: Mix just until combined for tender meatballs.
• Use a cookie scoop: For uniform meatballs, try using a cookie scoop to measure out portions.
• Cook the orzo to al dente: This helps keep the orzo from becoming mushy.

Substitutions & Variations of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

• To Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
• Add Veggies: Stir in some spinach or cherry tomatoes to the orzo for a fresh twist.
• Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage Instructions of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: These meatballs freeze well! Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead: Cook the meatballs and orzo in advance; just reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey can be an excellent alternative!

How can I add more flavor?
Try adding more herbs like mint or thyme for an added flavor boost!

What can I serve with this dish?
A simple salad or roasted veggies would be great side dishes.

Final Toughts

This delightful recipe for Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is sure to become a family favorite. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures make it hard to resist! So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get cooking. Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating below to let us know how it turned out!

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

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Delicious chicken meatballs infused with lemon and herbs, served over fluffy orzo. A quick and family-friendly meal!

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water, for cooking the orzo)
• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or dill
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, parsley, oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
5. In a medium pot, bring chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente.
6. Once cooked, drain the orzo and return it to the pot. Stir in butter, lemon juice, additional lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Plate the lemon orzo and top with warm chicken meatballs. Garnish with fresh dill, crumbled feta, and lemon wedges.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat for tender meatballs. Use a cookie scoop for uniform portions. Cook the orzo to al dente to avoid mushiness.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten-free option available