Description
This Greek-inspired dish features tender, herb-infused chicken meatballs paired with bright and zesty lemon orzo. A perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors, this meal is easy to make and bursting with Mediterranean goodness. Serve it as a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely 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 pan-frying)
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and the beaten egg. Stir until evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes, following package instructions. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
- Stir olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into the cooked orzo, mixing well to blend the flavors.
- Serve the meatballs over the lemon orzo, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The meatballs can be shaped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Serving Tip: Pair with a simple Greek salad or a side of tzatziki for an extra burst of freshness!
- Substitutions: Swap ground chicken for ground turkey if preferred. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Greek meatballs, lemon orzo, Mediterranean dinner, chicken meatballs, easy Greek recipe, healthy dinner, Mediterranean flavors