Delicious Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

The aroma of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo wafts through the air, tantalizing your senses with a symphony of Mediterranean flavors. Each bite bursts with zesty lemon, savory herbs, and tender chicken, creating a dish that will have you daydreaming about sun-soaked vacations in Greece.

As I plated this delightful dinner one evening, I couldn’t help but recall my last family gathering where these meatballs stole the show. They were a hit, leaving everyone asking for seconds and wondering if I had secretly acquired culinary skills worthy of a Greek taverna.

I remember my cousin’s jaw dropping when she took her first bite, and her “mmms” echoed around the table like a chorus of food appreciation. It was one of those moments where you know you’ve hit the gastronomic jackpot.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken for juicy meatballs without excess fat.

• Fresh Parsley: Use bright green parsley to enhance flavor and add freshness to your dish.

• Red Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and moisture to the meatballs.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here; it brings an aromatic punch to the dish.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These light breadcrumbs give the meatballs an airy texture while keeping them moist.

• Lemon Zest: Freshly grated lemon zest adds that zingy flavor that makes this dish stand out.

• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice enhances brightness and balances the flavors beautifully.

• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with our lemony sauce.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness and depth of flavor.

• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together harmoniously.

For the Sauce:

• Diced Tomatoes: Choose canned tomatoes for convenience; they add body to your sauce without fuss.

• Feta Cheese: Crumble feta over your dish before serving for an extra layer of creaminess and tang.

• Dried Oregano: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, dried oregano infuses wonderful flavor into your sauce.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to keep control over salt levels while adding moisture.

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 bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped parsley, red onion, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and juice. Mix everything until just combined—over-mixing will lead to tough meatballs.

Form Your Meatballs : Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you’re fancy), shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a lined baking sheet as you go—this keeps things tidy!

Sauté Your Meatballs : Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides—about 8-10 minutes—creating a beautiful crust while sealing in their juiciness.

Create Your Lemony Orzo : While your meatballs are cooking away, boil water in another pot. Add orzo pasta along with a pinch of salt and cook until al dente—don’t forget to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick together!

Add Flavorful Sauce : In the same skillet used for meatballs (flavor alert!), add diced tomatoes along with oregano and chicken broth. Let it simmer gently while scraping up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom from cooking your meatballs.

Toss Everything Together : Drain orzo when cooked and toss into the skillet with sauce and meatballs. Stir gently until everything is well-coated in that luscious sauce—it’s like a Mediterranean hug on your plate!

This recipe might just become your new go-to weeknight dinner! The combination of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo creates an explosion of fresh flavors that can turn any ordinary evening into something special.

And remember: should anyone ask about your culinary prowess? Just smile knowingly while keeping this delightful secret close to your heart!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve optimal flavor and texture, start by searing the meatballs until golden brown, then cook the orzo while letting them simmer in lemony goodness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs like dill for parsley or add feta cheese for an extra tangy kick that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and delicious food, where every bite sparked joy and conversation among friends.

FAQ

Can I freeze Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo?

Absolutely! Freeze cooked meatballs separately from orzo for best results.

What can I serve with Greek chicken meatballs?

Pair them with a refreshing Greek salad or warm pita bread for a delightful meal.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo, a dish that brings the essence of the Mediterranean to your table. Each tender meatball is infused with zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and savory chicken, served over a bed of perfectly cooked orzo. This easy-to-make recipe is not only delightful but also customizable, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful meal that transports you straight to Greece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, parsley, onion, garlic, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain.
5. In the same skillet, add diced tomatoes, oregano, and chicken broth. Let simmer while scraping up any bits from the pan.
6. Toss cooked orzo with the sauce and meatballs until well-coated.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 meatballs with orzo (250g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute fresh parsley with dill for a different flavor profile. Add extra feta cheese before serving for creaminess. For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.