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Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo - A Fresh Family Favorite

Enjoy Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo, a healthy and satisfying dish for the whole family. Simple ingredients promise a flavorful meal!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground chicken Substitution: Use ground turkey for an even leaner option.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Substitution: Whole wheat or panko breadcrumbs can enhance nutrition.
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese Note: Freshly grated Parmesan significantly enhances flavor.
  • 1 small red onion Prep: Finely chop; squeeze to remove any excess moisture for the best consistency.
  • 2 cloves garlic Always opt for fresh minced garlic for maximum taste.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley Substitution: Try using basil or cilantro for a different flavor twist.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Note: Fresh oregano can elevate the flavor profile even further.
  • 1 lemon lemon zest/juice Essential for a bright, zesty finish that balances the flavors beautifully.
Orzo
  • 1 cup orzo pasta Note: Rice or any small-shaped pasta can work as a substitute.
  • 4 cups broth (vegetable or chicken) Substitution: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese Substitution: Swap in goat cheese for a milder taste.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Note: Extra virgin olive oil is highly recommended for its robust flavor.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, parsley, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  3. Shape about two tablespoons of the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. While the meatballs bake, bring broth to a boil, add orzo, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  6. Drain orzo, then return it to the pot and stir in olive oil, crumbled feta, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  7. Serve meatballs over lemon orzo, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballsCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to maintain tenderness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.

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