Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
- Crumbled feta cheese (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, feta, parsley, oregano, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs using your hands.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total.
- Lower heat, cover the skillet, and cook another 4–5 minutes until meatballs reach 165°F (74°C) inside. Remove meatballs from skillet and tent with foil.
- While meatballs cook, bring chicken broth (or water) to a simmer in a saucepan. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain any excess liquid if needed.
- In the same saucepan or a separate small skillet, melt butter (or warm olive oil) over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss cooked orzo in the lemon-butter mixture until coated.
- Nestle meatballs over orzo on plates or in a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh dill and parsley, extra crumbled feta, and lemon wedges. Serve warm.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender. Cook orzo al dente for best texture when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free