This Mediterranean Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo recipe combines succulent chicken meatballs with a zesty lemon orzo for a vibrant and flavorful dish. It’s a quick and healthy meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Author:Lisa
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking and Boiling
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground chicken
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup orzo pasta
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 cups chicken broth
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped oregano, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until everything is well combined.
Form Meatballs: Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake Meatballs: Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cook the Orzo: While the meatballs are baking, bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot. Add the orzo, lemon zest, and juice. Cook according to package instructions until the orzo is al dente.
Combine and Toss: Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth and toss the orzo with a bit of olive oil and additional lemon juice if desired.
Serve Together: On a platter, arrange the lemon orzo and top it with the baked chicken meatballs. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
Enjoy: Serve warm to family and friends.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
Feel free to add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or spinach to the orzo.
Crumbled feta cheese can be sprinkled on top before serving.
Substitute ground turkey for ground chicken for a different taste.
Use whole wheat orzo for added fiber.
Replace orzo with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Experiment with herbs like dill or thyme.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze uncooked meatballs individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.