Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe
Introduction
These Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo offer a bright, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Juicy chicken meatballs paired with zesty, creamy orzo make for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 3: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
- Step 4: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Step 5: 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.
- Step 6: 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.
- Step 7: 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 delicious Greek-inspired meal!
Tips & Variations
- For added moisture, try mixing in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt into the meatball mixture before baking.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh dill can be added to the orzo for an extra herbal note.
- Serve with a side of tzatziki or a simple Greek salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and orzo separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo moist. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for orzo if I don’t have any?
Couscous, small pasta shapes like ditalini, or even quinoa are great substitutes for orzo and will work well with the lemon and feta flavors.
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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo recipe offers a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish, combining tender baked chicken meatballs infused with fresh herbs and lemon zest, paired with a bright and creamy lemon orzo enriched with feta cheese and fresh parsley. It’s a wholesome and easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- 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
Lemon Orzo
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Using clean hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cook Orzo: While the meatballs bake, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the orzo pasta and cook for about 8–10 minutes, until al dente according to package instructions.
- Combine Orzo: Drain any excess broth from the cooked orzo and return it to the saucepan. Drizzle with olive oil, then stir in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Serve: Remove the baked meatballs from the oven and serve them alongside the lemon orzo. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Greek-inspired meal!
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if preferred.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Leftover meatballs and orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding a side of steamed vegetables or a Greek salad complements this dish nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek chicken meatballs, lemon orzo, baked meatballs, Mediterranean recipe, healthy chicken meatballs, easy dinner recipe
