Description
This Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken meatballs seasoned with herbs and spices with a bright and zesty lemon orzo pasta. Perfectly seared and simmered on the stovetop, this dish delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors with a healthy balance of protein, fresh herbs, and citrus.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken (white meat is leaner; dark meat is juicier and more flavorful)
- 1/3 cup almond flour or 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh dill, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder or scallion, finely chopped or red onion
- 2 tsp dried oregano or fresh oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients using a rubber spatula or your hands until evenly mixed.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-2-inch meatballs. Lightly salt each meatball before cooking.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear for 3-4 minutes until browned on the outside.
- Cook Meatballs Through: Cover the skillet and cook the meatballs for an additional 5-6 minutes until fully cooked but still moist. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Orzo: Using the same skillet, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Finish Orzo: Stir in lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil into the cooked orzo. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve: Plate the lemon orzo topped with the cooked chicken meatballs. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Zest the lemon before juicing to make it easier to gather all the zest without mixing juice.
- Adjust lemon flavor as desired by adding extra lemon juice just before serving for a brighter taste.
- Serve alongside tzatziki sauce to add a creamy, refreshing element complementing the Greek flavors.
