Flavorful Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

The aroma of warm spices fills the air as you imagine sinking your teeth into a tender Greek chicken meatball nestled atop a bed of luscious lemon orzo. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the sun-soaked shores of Greece. Picture yourself enjoying this delightful fusion at a summer gathering or cozy family dinner—each bite bursting with flavor and warmth.

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Every time I make these Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo, I’m reminded of my friend Sofia’s legendary dinner parties. The laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the way her kids devoured these meatballs in seconds always left me in awe. If you’re ready for a culinary adventure that promises deliciousness and smiles all around, this recipe is your ticket!

There was that one time my entire family gathered for Sunday dinner, and everyone went back for third helpings of the meatballs—let’s just say I had no leftovers for lunch the next day!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken to keep the meatballs juicy without being overly fatty.
• Fresh Parsley: Use chopped fresh parsley for brightness; dried simply won’t cut it in flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth—use as many cloves as you dare!
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta lends creaminess and tang; it’s the secret ingredient here.
• Lemon Zest: Grate fresh lemons to brighten up the entire dish with zesty goodness.
• Orzo Pasta: This cute little pasta is perfect for soaking up flavors and adds texture.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still keeping everything flavorful.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps achieve that crisp texture on your meatballs while cooking.
• Bread Crumbs: Use plain bread crumbs; they act as a binder to hold those delicious meatballs together.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor in your dish—don’t skimp!

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, garlic cloves (minced), parsley, feta cheese, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork it.

Create Meatballs: With slightly damp hands (so they don’t stick), roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and sear until golden brown on all sides—about 8-10 minutes total.

Cook the Orzo: While searing, cook orzo according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Add Flavorful Broth: In another pot, combine cooked orzo with chicken broth and lemon zest over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through—about 5 minutes.

Toss It All Together: Gently fold seared meatballs into the pot with orzo mix. Allow everything to soak up those delicious flavors together for about 3 minutes before serving.

Now you have an unforgettable dish that will make anyone feel like they are dining at their favorite Mediterranean restaurant right from home!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken meatballs until golden brown, then cook the lemon orzo in the same pan. This captures all those delicious flavors, creating a tasty harmony in every bite.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs or add spinach for extra nutrition. A sprinkle of feta cheese at the end brings a delightful creaminess that complements the dish perfectly.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to keep those meatballs juicy and tender without drying them out.

Cooking these Greek chicken meatballs always reminds me of my first family gathering where everyone was raving about them. It felt amazing hearing my elderly uncle declare he could eat them every day!

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and offers a lighter flavor profile.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything a day in advance; just reheat before serving.

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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

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• Author: recipesnew
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with these juicy Greek chicken meatballs served over zesty lemon orzo. Perfect for any gathering, this dish is sure to impress!

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Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic cloves
• Feta cheese
• Lemon zest
• Orzo pasta
• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Bread crumbs
• Salt & pepper

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, minced garlic, parsley, crumbled feta, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper until just combined.
2. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs until golden brown on all sides (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
5. In another pot, combine cooked orzo with chicken broth and lemon zest over medium heat. Stir until heated through (about 5 minutes).
6. Gently fold seared meatballs into the orzo mix and let soak up flavors for about 3 minutes before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, mix in spinach or swap herbs based on your preference. Ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative to chicken.