Description
These Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo are a burst of bright flavors and herbs. The juicy meatballs are loaded with feta cheese, fresh parsley, and dill, paired with a zesty lemon orzo that makes for a satisfying meal full of Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Lemon Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, feta, parsley, dill, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Make the Lemon Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if needed. Stir in olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve meatballs over lemon orzo, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat orzo.
- These meatballs are also great served with tzatziki sauce and a side salad.
- You can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 15–18 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
