Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

The aroma of freshly cooked meatballs wafts through the kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine savoring juicy Greek chicken meatballs nestled beside tangy lemon orzo, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration of taste and tradition.

Every time I whip up these delightful Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo, I’m transported back to family dinners where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the olive oil. This dish always steals the show and has become our go-to for gatherings and cozy nights alike.

I still remember the first time I served these meatballs at a family gathering; everyone raved about them, and they disappeared faster than my uncle’s famous potato salad.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Chicken: Look for lean ground chicken for juiciness but avoid overly fatty options that may become greasy.
• Breadcrumbs: Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible; they absorb moisture better and add texture.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty creaminess; opt for high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish; choose vibrant green leaves for maximum freshness.
• Zest of One Lemon: Zesting enhances the lemon flavor without adding acidity; use a microplane for fine zest.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a bright punch; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it!
• Orzo Pasta: Cooked al dente, orzo has a delightful bite that complements the meatballs perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking; it adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic kick; chop finely for an even flavor distribution.
• Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance all other flavors; don’t skip them!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Create Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly.

Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides—about 8-10 minutes.

Cook the Orzo: Meanwhile, bring salted water to boil in another pot. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Add Flavor: After searing meatballs, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them in the pan. This infuses them with zesty goodness as they finish cooking.

Toss Together: In the skillet with the meatballs still sizzling away, gently toss in cooked orzo pasta until everything is well combined and heated through—about 2 minutes.

Now you’re ready to serve! Plate your Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo beautifully—don’t forget some extra parsley on top for color!

Enjoying these Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo isn’t just about eating; it’s about indulging in flavors that tell stories of sun-kissed coasts and family gatherings filled with joy. So grab your forks and dig in!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken meatballs in a hot skillet first to lock in flavor, then cook the lemon orzo while they bake, creating a symphony of tastes.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs or add feta cheese for extra flavor. Experimenting with spices can make this dish uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture and flavor.

The first time I made Greek chicken meatballs, my friends devoured them so quickly that I barely got a taste! Their laughter and compliments were all the affirmation I needed to turn this dish into a family favorite.

FAQ

Can I freeze Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo?

Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs separately from orzo for better texture.

What herbs work best in this recipe?

Fresh oregano and dill enhance the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for about three days when stored properly.

Print

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a vibrant dish combining juicy chicken meatballs with zesty orzo, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet cooking
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, feta, parsley, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs until golden brown on all sides (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Simultaneously, boil salted water in another pot and cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over the meatballs as they finish cooking.
6. Toss cooked orzo with the meatballs in the skillet for about 2 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 meatballs with orzo (200g)
• Calories: 395
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Customize your dish by adding herbs like fresh oregano or dill. For extra brightness, toss in cherry tomatoes or spinach along with the orzo.