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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo is a quick, flavorful, and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken meatballs infused with fresh oregano and dill, paired with zesty lemon orzo pasta. Ready in under 40 minutes, it combines authentic Greek flavors with wholesome ingredients for a family-friendly, versatile meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Lemon Orzo

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for garnish or mixing into orzo)

Garnish and Optional

  • Extra crumbled feta cheese
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, fresh oregano, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape and Cook the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Cook the Lemon Orzo: Using the same skillet, add more olive oil and sauté minced garlic briefly. Add orzo, stir well, and pour in chicken broth or water. Cook until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in lemon zest and juice for a fresh citrus flavor.
  4. Combine and Serve: Return meatballs to the skillet with the lemon orzo, gently folding together so flavors meld. Sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh herbs on top just before serving for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
  • Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Use fresh oregano and dill for the best flavor.
  • Adding lemon zest before juice preserves the aromatic oils.
  • Let meatballs rest briefly after cooking to seal in juices.
  • Stir orzo frequently while cooking to prevent overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken meatballs, lemon orzo, Mediterranean, quick dinner, healthy meal, weeknight recipe, gluten free option, easy chicken meatballs

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/greek-chicken-meatballs-with-lemon-orzo/