Print

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring tender Greek chicken meatballs paired with zesty lemon orzo, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a healthy weeknight dish.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Bake, Boil
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken (for meatballs)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for meatballs)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for meatballs)

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (for meatballs)

2 cloves garlic, minced (for meatballs)

1 large egg (for meatballs)

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for meatballs)

1 tsp dried oregano (for meatballs)

1/2 tsp salt (for meatballs)

1/4 tsp black pepper (for meatballs)

Zest of 1 lemon (for meatballs)

1 cup orzo pasta (for orzo)

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (for orzo)

2 tbsp olive oil (for orzo)

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (for orzo)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for orzo)

Juice of 1 lemon (for orzo)

Salt and pepper, to taste (for orzo)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, red onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
  4. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
  5. While the meatballs are baking, bring the broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
  6. Drain the orzo and return to the saucepan. Drizzle with olive oil, and stir in feta, parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Once the meatballs are done, serve them alongside the lemon orzo. Garnish with additional parsley or lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

  • For extra nutrition, add roasted or steamed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the salad.
  • To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and orzo. Be sure to check the labels of your ingredients.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free option, omit the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/greek-chicken-meatballs-with-lemon-orzo/