Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

There is something magic about the combination of herbs and spices in Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo. Imagine biting into tender, juicy meatballs infused with fresh herbs while the zesty lemon orzo dances on your taste buds. It’s like a Mediterranean vacation served on a plate without the hassle of packing your bags.

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Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and you’ve invited friends over for dinner. You want to impress but also keep it casual. Enter these Greek chicken meatballs! They’re simple to whip up and bring a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Every time I serve these meatballs, I get rave reviews from family and friends who can’t believe how good they taste.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken for a healthier option that still packs flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green parsley; it adds freshness and vibrancy to the dish.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives these meatballs a tangy kick and creamy texture.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential—nothing compares to its aromatic flavor when cooked.
• Lemon Zest: Zesting adds an intense citrus fragrance that brightens the entire dish.
• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the zesty flavors of the meatballs.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing and drizzling over your final dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all other flavors in your dish.
• Oregano & Dill: These herbs bring out the classic Greek flavors we all love.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped parsley, crumbled feta, minced garlic, zest from one lemon, salt, pepper, oregano, and dill. Mix well until combined.

Form the Meatballs: Scoop out portions of the mixture using your hands; roll them gently into balls about 1 inch in diameter. This keeps them tender instead of dense.

Sauté the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs to the pan without overcrowding; cook until golden brown on all sides—about 10 minutes total.

Cook the Orzo: While meatballs are cooking, boil water in another pot and add orzo. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes—and drain.

Add Lemon Flavor: Return drained orzo to its pot; mix in some olive oil, remaining lemon zest, salt, pepper, and fresh dill. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.

Serve it Up: Plate those beautiful golden-brown meatballs atop a bed of lemony orzo; garnish with additional parsley or feta if desired.

And there you have it! An effortless yet show-stopping meal that will leave your guests raving about your culinary skills without knowing how easy it was to prepare! Enjoy every scrumptious bite of your Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken meatballs until golden, then simmer the lemon orzo in another pot. This ensures everything cooks evenly and retains its flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground chicken for turkey or add feta cheese to your meatballs for extra flavor. Experiment with herbs like dill or parsley for a twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the meatballs moist and tender.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my best friend’s dinner party where everyone went back for seconds! Their laughter filled the air as they devoured every last bite of my Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo.

FAQ

Can I use other meats for Greek chicken meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or lamb can also work wonderfully in this recipe.

How long do these meatballs take to cook?

They typically take about 15-20 minutes to cook through, depending on size.

What can I serve with lemon orzo?

A fresh Greek salad or tzatziki sauce complements these flavorful meatballs beautifully.

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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in these juicy Greek chicken meatballs paired with zesty lemon orzo for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried dill

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, parsley, feta, garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, oregano, and dill until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté meatballs until golden brown (about 10 minutes).
4. Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
5. Toss the cooked orzo with olive oil, remaining lemon zest, salt, pepper, and dill.
6. Serve meatballs on a bed of lemony orzo and garnish as desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 meatballs with orzo (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For a variation, substitute ground turkey or lamb for chicken. Chilling the meatballs before cooking helps them retain their shape. Pair with a fresh Greek salad or tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.