Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

why make this recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a wonderful choice for a delicious and healthy meal.

This dish combines tender chicken meatballs with bright lemony orzo pasta, making it both satisfying and refreshing.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The ingredients are simple, and the flavors are vibrant, making it a hit for both kids and adults.

Print Recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Prep Time25 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time55 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon zested and juiced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well and form into meatballs.
• Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
• In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions. Drain if necessary.
• Serve the baked meatballs over the lemon orzo and garnish with fresh parsley.

how to make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well and form into meatballs.
3. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
4. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions. Drain if necessary.
5. Serve the baked meatballs over the lemon orzo and garnish with fresh parsley.

how to serve Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Serve the Greek Chicken Meatballs on a bed of lemon orzo. The orzo is light and fluffy, soaking up the flavors of the meatballs.

You can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added touch. Fresh parsley adds a nice color and freshness to the dish.

how to store Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the meatballs and orzo in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

tips to make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

1. Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients: This can make the meatballs tough. Just mix until everything is combined.
2. Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to add more garlic or herbs according to your taste preferences.
3. Use a cookie scoop: This helps in making uniform meatballs, ensuring they cook evenly.

variation

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and orzo made from quinoa or rice. You can also add chopped spinach or feta cheese to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them before baking. They can also be frozen before cooking.

How can I make the orzo more flavorful?
You can enhance the orzo by adding sautéed onions, garlic, or diced vegetables to the chicken broth while cooking the pasta.