Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how this dish brings together tender, flavorful chicken meatballs with the refreshing tang of lemon orzo. The meatballs are packed with aromatic herbs like parsley and oregano, while the orzo is light and flavorful, thanks to the feta, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. It’s a simple recipe that’s both filling and satisfying, with each bite offering a burst of Mediterranean flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week!

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Meatballs:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, red onion, garlic, egg, fresh parsley, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Form the Meatballs: Use your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C).

Cook the Orzo:

Boil the Broth: While the meatballs are baking, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan.

Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

Combine the Orzo: Once cooked, drain any excess broth and return the orzo to the saucepan. Drizzle with olive oil and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir well to combine.

Serve:

Assemble the Dish: Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven. Serve the meatballs alongside the lemon orzo.

Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Greek-inspired meal!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add Veggies: For extra nutrition and color, I like to add a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, to this meal.

Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and orzo. There are plenty of good gluten-free pasta options available.

Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute the feta with a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit it for a lighter, dairy-free dish.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: This dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the meatballs and orzo in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of broth or olive oil to the orzo to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The meatballs and orzo can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat when you’re ready to serve, and the flavors will continue to meld together.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before baking. Just form the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works great in this recipe and can be used as a substitute for ground chicken.

Can I skip the feta cheese in the orzo?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the feta cheese in the orzo or substitute it with a vegan cheese or another cheese variety you prefer.

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

You can definitely swap orzo for other small pasta types, like couscous, farro, or even rice if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a refreshing, flavorful dish that brings the taste of Greece straight to your kitchen. With tender meatballs, zesty lemon-infused orzo, and creamy feta cheese, this meal is both delicious and satisfying. It’s easy to make, healthy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired dish with family and friends

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