Description
Savor the Mediterranean flavors with Greek Chicken Meatballs and zesty Lemon Orzo. These tender, herb-infused meatballs pair perfectly with a bright, citrusy orzo for a balanced, flavorful meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this easy-to-make recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Greek Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 egg, beaten
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, red onion, garlic, feta, parsley, dill, oregano, egg, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Shape into 1.5-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Orzo:
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, scraping any browned bits.
- Bring to a boil, add orzo, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Nestle meatballs into the orzo and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For juicier meatballs, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or grated onion to the mixture.
- Bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for a lighter option.
- Replace orzo with quinoa, couscous, or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
