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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

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Try Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo for a fresh flavorful meal that brings zesty comfort to your dinner table tonight

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano or 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for lightness)
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (for cooking orzo)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking meatballs evenly while giving them a nice golden exterior.
  • Prepare the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, red onion, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, and the beaten egg. Season generously with salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything gently yet thoroughly—don’t overwork the mixture or the meatballs will turn out tough.
  • Form the meatballs. Roll the mixture into approximately 1.5-inch diameter balls. Don’t worry about making them perfectly round—rustic shapes add character.
  • Bake the meatballs. Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes until cooked through, with a slightly golden surface. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) if you want to be precise.
  • Cook the lemon orzo. While the meatballs are baking, bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Finish the orzo. Drain any excess liquid (if needed), then stir in the lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The orzo should be tender yet slightly chewy with a fresh lemon brightness.
  • Serve. Plate the lemon orzo as a base, then place the warm Greek chicken meatballs on top. Feel free to sprinkle extra parsley or crumbled feta for a nice finish!
  • Notes

    A simple and flavorful recipe for Greek chicken meatballs paired with bright, lemon-infused orzo pasta. Perfect for light, satisfying weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, bursting with Mediterranean flavors like oregano, feta, and fresh lemon.