Quick Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
A quick and delicious recipe for Greek chicken meatballs paired with zesty lemon orzo, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free option available
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until well combined, but try not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the chicken mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or sheet pan as you create them.
- Sauté the Meatballs: In a skillet, heat a good splash of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are beautifully browned and cooked through.
- Cook the Orzo: As the meatballs are cooking, bring the chicken broth to a boil in a separate pot. Once boiling, add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo and mix in the fresh lemon juice.
- Serve and Garnish: To serve, place a generous helping of the lemon orzo on each plate and top it with a few golden-brown meatballs. Garnish with additional chopped parsley.
Notes
Serve with tzatziki sauce or a Greek salad. Store leftovers separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. For a gluten-free option, swap breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg