Description
This Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo recipe is a delicious Greek-inspired dish that combines tender chicken meatballs with lemon-infused orzo. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s easy to follow and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain any excess broth and return the orzo to the saucepan. Drizzle with olive oil, add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Once the meatballs are finished, remove them from the oven and serve them alongside the lemon orzo. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your Greek-inspired meal!
Notes
Add Veggies: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the lemon orzo for extra flavor.
Use Lamb or Beef: Substitute the ground chicken with lamb or beef for a more traditional Greek twist.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or orzo for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Boiling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
