Delightful Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

The aroma of freshly baked Greek chicken meatballs wafts through the kitchen, mingling delightfully with the zesty scent of lemon orzo. Each bite is a burst of flavor that transports you straight to a sun-drenched Mediterranean terrace, savoring life one delicious mouthful at a time.

Remember that unforgettable dinner party where everyone raved about your culinary skills? That’s the magic of this recipe—it never fails to impress! Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy evening in, these Greek chicken meatballs paired with lemony orzo bring joy and flavor to any occasion.

I still remember my niece’s eyes lighting up when she took her first bite of these delectable meatballs. It was like watching a mini food critic fall in love!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Chicken: Choose lean ground chicken for tenderness while ensuring it holds together well during cooking.
• Fresh Parsley: Look for vibrant green leaves; they add freshness and color to your meatballs.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy creaminess that’s quintessentially Greek; opt for high-quality cheese for best flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Use fresh lemons; zest enhances brightness and balances the savory elements beautifully.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic packs a punch; don’t skimp on it if you love robust flavors.
• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while providing depth of flavor.

For seasoning:

• Dried Oregano: Essential for an authentic Greek twist; use high-quality oregano for maximum impact.
• Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; don’t skip this step!
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over your finished dish—it elevates everything!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare yourself for an exciting cooking adventure as we bring this delightful dish to life!

Mixing the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, parsley, crumbled feta, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until fully blended.

Forming the Meatballs: Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you’re fancy), shape mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Baking Time!: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake those beauties for about 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Cooking the Lemon Orzo: Meanwhile, bring chicken broth to boil in a large pot. Stir in orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 8-10 minutes.

Tossing Everything Together: Drain excess liquid from the orzo if necessary. Add baked meatballs gently into the pot along with some more lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Finishing Touches!: Serve warm topped with toasted pine nuts and drizzle olive oil on top—watch everyone swoon over this gorgeous dish!

And just like that, you’ve crafted an incredible meal that is sure to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every delightful bite of your Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken meatballs until golden brown, then cook the lemon orzo while preparing a fresh herb sauce for a seamless and delicious meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs or add feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain moisture and flavor.

One time, I made these Greek chicken meatballs for a family gathering, and they vanished faster than my cousin could say “Opa!” Everyone went back for seconds, and I basked in their culinary praise!

FAQ

Can I make Greek chicken meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and refrigerate them a day before serving for convenience.

What can I serve with lemon orzo?

Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Is there a vegetarian substitute for chicken?

Yes, use chickpeas or lentils blended with spices as a delicious alternative.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

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• Author: mydishtoday
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Savor the vibrant flavors of Greece with juicy chicken meatballs served over zesty lemon orzo—an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any dinner occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, parsley, feta cheese, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
4. While the meatballs bake, bring chicken broth to a boil in a pot. Add orzo and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes).
5. Drain excess liquid from the orzo. Gently toss baked meatballs with the orzo and add lemon juice.
6. Serve warm topped with toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 425
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 487mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg