Description
Embark on a culinary journey to Greece with this vibrant, flavorful dish of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo. This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender, juicy chicken meatballs packed with aromatic herbs and lemon zest, served alongside a refreshing lemon-infused orzo. The combination of savory meatballs and light, zesty orzo makes this a well-balanced, delicious meal perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Greek Chicken Meatballs are a quick, healthy, and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Orzo:
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure even distribution.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Shape the meatball mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. This recipe should yield about 20 meatballs, but you can adjust the size as desired.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
While the meatballs are baking, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until it’s al dente.
Step 6: Combine the Orzo
Once the orzo is cooked, drain any excess broth and return the orzo to the saucepan. Drizzle with olive oil, then add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the orzo is well-coated, and the cheese begins to melt into the pasta.
Step 7: Serve
To serve, place the lemon orzo on plates and top with the Greek chicken meatballs. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy the bright, tangy flavors of this Greek-inspired meal!
Notes
- For Extra Flavor: Marinate the meatballs in olive oil, lemon zest, and oregano for 30 minutes before baking to infuse more Mediterranean flavors.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little heat.
- Substitute Chicken: If preferred, you can use ground turkey instead of chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, try using chickpeas or lentils to make the meatballs and substitute the orzo with quinoa or couscous.
- Add Veggies: Consider adding some sautéed spinach or roasted veggies to the orzo for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Greek Mediterranean
