Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe
A delightful Greek-inspired dish featuring tender chicken meatballs seasoned with fresh herbs and lemon zest, served over a vibrant and zesty lemon orzo pasta. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that combines simple ingredients with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, onion powder, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on a tray, making sure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Lemon Orzo: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth or water to a boil. Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain excess liquid if needed.
- Season Orzo: Stir in the lemon juice, olive oil or butter, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine the bright, zesty flavors.
- Serve: Plate the lemon orzo and top with the warm chicken meatballs. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture in the meatballs.
- Ensure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor or to cater to dietary needs.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity according to your preferred tartness.
- Serve with a side Greek salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Greek chicken meatballs, lemon orzo, Mediterranean recipe, chicken meatballs recipe, easy weeknight dinner, lemon pasta, healthy chicken recipe
