The aroma of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo wafts through your kitchen, inviting you to take a culinary adventure. Picture this: juicy, tender meatballs infused with fragrant herbs dancing around bright lemony orzo, creating a symphony of flavors that makes your taste buds sing. creamy ricotta meatballs.
Now let me take you back to the first time I made this dish for my family. It was a chaotic weekday evening, and I was determined to impress everyone after a long day. The meatballs were a hit! My kids even claimed they tasted “like magic.” Who wouldn’t want their dinner described as magical? For more inspiration, check out this shrimp and avocado bowls recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish features easy-to-follow steps that lead to flavorful Greek chicken meatballs paired with zesty lemon orzo
- It’s visually stunning, making it perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties
- The flavors are fresh and bright, bringing sunshine onto your plate
- Plus, it’s versatile—serve it warm or cold as leftovers!
I remember my friend Sarah texting me about how her picky toddler devoured these meatballs like they were candy. That moment solidified my love for this recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Chicken: Choose lean ground chicken for juicy meatballs without excessive fat. For more inspiration, check out this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe.
- Fresh Parsley: Use vibrant green parsley for an aromatic touch that brightens up the meatballs.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate the dish with their pungent flavor; don’t skimp on them!
- Lemon Zest: Grate the zest from organic lemons for that citrus zing that makes the dish pop.
- Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta perfectly complements the meatballs and is quick to cook.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds saltiness and creaminess that balances out the flavors beautifully. hot honey feta chicken.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of quality olive oil enhances richness and flavor in both the orzo and meatballs.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning is essential; adjust according to your taste preferences!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overworking it.
Form the Meatballs: With slightly damp hands (to prevent sticking), form small balls about the size of golf balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Sauté the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until they are golden brown on all sides—about 4-5 minutes—then transfer them to a plate.
Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and toss in orzo pasta. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted before adding water or broth according to package directions.
Add Flavorful Extras to Orzo: Once orzo is cooking, add crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley for extra flavor. Stir gently until everything is well coated and heated through.
Serve It Up!: Plate your delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs alongside fluffy lemon orzo. chicken parmesan pillows Garnish with additional parsley or lemon wedges for that fresh touch.
And just like that, you’ve transformed simple ingredients into an impressive meal! Enjoy every bite while imagining yourself basking in sunshine by a Mediterranean beach (or at least your backyard).
Now you know how to make Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo—a family favorite destined to become part of your weekly dinner rotation! Korean BBQ meatballs.
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken meatballs until golden brown, then simmer the lemon orzo while they cook to maximize flavors and efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in quinoa for orzo or add spinach to boost nutrition without losing flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, reheating gently to avoid drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For juicy meatballs, don’t overmix the chicken mixture; it can lead to tough results
- Always preheat your pan before adding oil for better searing
- Adding fresh herbs enhances flavor tremendously; consider dill or parsley for a zesty kick
Sometimes I whip up this dish when friends are over, and their delighted faces remind me that good food brings people together.
FAQ
What if I don’t have lemon orzo?
You can use regular orzo and add lemon juice when serving instead.
Can Greek chicken meatballs be frozen?
Yes, freeze them after cooking; they reheat beautifully!
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Greek salad or roasted vegetables complement Greek chicken meatballs wonderfully!
Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience a burst of Mediterranean flavors with these Greek Chicken Meatballs paired with zesty lemon orzo. Juicy, herb-infused meatballs sit atop fluffy orzo pasta, creating a delightful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also visually stunning, bringing sunshine to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the meatballs until golden brown on all sides (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary and toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes before adding water or broth according to package directions.
- Once cooked, mix in crumbled feta and extra parsley until well combined.
- Serve the meatballs alongside the lemon orzo, garnished with additional parsley or lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (70g) with orzo
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
