Description
These **Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo** are a bright, flavorful, and wholesome dinner idea. Juicy chicken meatballs seasoned with herbs and garlic are paired with citrusy orzo for a one-pan Mediterranean meal. Quick to prepare, healthy, and comforting, this dish is perfect for couples, families, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or dill
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for searing
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: crumbled feta, spinach, or olives for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Meatballs: Combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, herbs, and spices in a bowl. Mix gently and form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook meatballs until golden brown on all sides (6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Orzo: In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Toast orzo for 1–2 minutes, then add lemon zest, juice, and broth. Simmer covered for 10 minutes until tender.
- Finish the Dish: Return meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Cover and cook another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley, feta, or extra lemon wedges. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Add spinach, olives, or feta for variety.
- Great for meal prep — meatballs can be frozen cooked or uncooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Mediterranean
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Greek Chicken Meatballs, Lemon Orzo, Mediterranean Dinner, One Pot Meals, Healthy Chicken Recipes, Easy Dinner Recipes