Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Introduction

These Greek Chicken Meatballs are packed with Mediterranean flavors, featuring tender ground chicken, Parmesan, fresh parsley, and aromatic oregano. Served over a bright and zesty Lemon Orzo, this dish is both light and satisfying—perfect for a weeknight meal or a flavorful dinner that transports you straight to the Mediterranean.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Lemon Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Orzo: In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
5. Season the Orzo: Stir in olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the cooked orzo. Mix well to combine.
6. Serve: Plate the lemon orzo and top with the chicken meatballs. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Variations

1. Baked Meatballs for a Lighter Option – Instead of pan-frying, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes on a lined baking sheet. This method reduces oil usage while still keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.
2. Feta-Stuffed Meatballs for an Extra Greek Twist – Add a small cube of feta cheese inside each meatball before rolling. The cheese melts while cooking, creating a creamy and flavorful surprise in the center.
3. Whole Wheat Orzo for a Healthier Alternative – Swap regular orzo for whole wheat orzo to increase fiber and nutritional value without compromising the dish’s delicious texture.

Cooking Notes

1. For a lighter option, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or panko.
2. Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta over the dish for extra Mediterranean flavor.
3. Serve with a side of tzatziki or a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with a Greek Salad for a Complete Mediterranean Meal – A fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese adds a refreshing contrast to the warm and zesty orzo. Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
2. Serve with Tzatziki for a Creamy, Cool Dip – A side of homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce (made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lemon) perfectly complements the seasoned meatballs, balancing the dish with a creamy, tangy element.
3. Make It a Pita Wrap for a Fun, Handheld Meal – Stuff the meatballs and lemon orzo into warm pita bread, adding lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of tzatziki. This transforms the dish into a portable, satisfying Mediterranean-inspired wrap.

Tips

1. Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture – Overworking the ground chicken can result in dense, tough meatballs. Mix gently just until combined to keep them light and tender.
2. Toast the Orzo Before Cooking for a Nutty Flavor – Lightly toasting the orzo in a tablespoon of olive oil before adding the broth enhances its flavor, giving it a subtle, nutty depth. This small step elevates the dish’s overall taste.
3. Adjust Lemon Intensity to Your Preference – If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, add extra lemon zest or juice. For a milder version, use less juice and let the natural flavors of the chicken and herbs shine.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Sodium: 620mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. You can also shape the meatballs and freeze them raw for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them overnight in the fridge or cook from frozen with a slightly longer cooking time.
2. What can I use instead of orzo?
   If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with couscous, quinoa, or even rice. Each option will provide a slightly different texture, but they all pair well with the lemony flavor of the dish.
3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs and orzo together in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Absolutely! Omit the Parmesan cheese in the meatballs or use a dairy-free alternative. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it easy to adjust to dietary needs.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a fresh, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With juicy, herb-seasoned chicken meatballs and a bright, citrusy orzo, this dish brings Mediterranean comfort to your table in just 35 minutes. Whether served with a crisp Greek salad, creamy tzatziki, or in a warm pita wrap, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Try it today and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen!

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

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• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Greek Chicken Meatballs are packed with Mediterranean flavors, featuring tender ground chicken, Parmesan, fresh parsley, and aromatic oregano. Served over a bright and zesty Lemon Orzo, this dish is both light and satisfying—perfect for a weeknight meal or a flavorful dinner that transports you straight to the Mediterranean.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Lemon Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Orzo: In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
5. Season the Orzo: Stir in olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the cooked orzo. Mix well to combine.
6. Serve: Plate the lemon orzo and top with the chicken meatballs. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• For a lighter option, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or panko.
• Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta over the dish for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Serve with a side of tzatziki or a Greek salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Greek chicken meatballs, Mediterranean meatballs, lemon orzo, easy chicken recipes, healthy chicken dinner