Zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Tender and juicy Greek chicken meatballs dance with zesty flavors in this Mediterranean-inspired dish that promises to elevate your dinner game.

Packed with herbs and spices, these succulent meatballs bring a burst of authentic Greek cuisine to your table.

Fresh parsley, garlic, and a hint of mint create a robust flavor profile that will make your taste buds sing.

The accompanying lemon orzo adds a bright, tangy complement that perfectly balances the rich meat.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that transport you straight to the sun-drenched streets of Greece.

with simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Savor every moment and let these meatballs become your new go-to comfort food.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Crowd Appeal

• Master a Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home Learn complex cooking techniques with this gourmet recipe that feels like professional chef training.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinners Transform ordinary chicken into a Mediterranean-inspired meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing, yet comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Protein-Packed Delight Swap traditional heavy meatballs for this lean chicken version loaded with fresh herbs, offering maximum flavor with minimal guilt and providing a nutritious protein boost.
• Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder Minimize kitchen cleanup by cooking everything in a single skillet, capturing every delicious browned bit and creating a harmonious blend of Mediterranean spices and bright citrus notes.

What Goes into Greek Chicken Meatballs with Orzo

• Ground Chicken: A lean and versatile protein that creates a light and flavorful meatball.
• Feta Cheese: A tangy Greek cheese that adds rich, salty flavor to the meatball mixture.

• Parsley, Fresh Dill: Fresh herbs that provide bright, aromatic notes to the meatballs.
• Garlic, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano, Ground Cumin: Warm spices that enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall taste.

• Almond Flour, Chopped Nuts: A gluten-free binder that helps hold the meatballs together and adds subtle nutty texture.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a citrusy brightness that complements the Greek-inspired flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing meatballs and adding richness to the orzo.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor for cooking the orzo.
• Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy base for the dish.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings a vibrant, tangy finish to the orzo.

• Extra Feta Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Provides additional flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Kitchen Tools for Greek Meatball Prep

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Rubber spatula or clean hands: Perfect for mixing without overworking the meat.
• Large skillet: Key for searing and cooking meatballs and preparing orzo.
• Wooden spoon: Helps scrape browned bits and stir orzo.
• Instant-read thermometer: Ensures meatballs are cooked to safe temperature.
• Cutting board: For chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Plate: To hold formed meatballs before cooking.
• Foil: Keeps meatballs warm after cooking.

How to Cook Greek Chicken Meatballs and Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Blend Meatball Components

• Almond flour
• Chopped parsley
• Fresh dill
• Minced garlic
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon zest

Gently mix everything until ingredients are evenly distributed, maintaining a light texture.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Morsels

Use slightly moistened hands to roll mixture into round bites about 1.5 inches wide.

Sprinkle a touch of salt over each sphere to enhance exterior flavor.

Step 3: Sear and Simmer Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature.

Place meatballs carefully, ensuring space between each.

Brown for 3-4 minutes per side, creating a golden crust.

Reduce heat, cover, and cook an additional 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Create Lemony Orzo Base

Using the same skillet, pour chicken broth and bring to boil.

Scrape pan’s browned bits for extra flavor.

Add orzo, simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta absorbs liquid and becomes tender.

Step 5: Brighten Orzo Flavor

Remove skillet from heat.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice and drizzle olive oil over orzo.

Stir gently and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Spread orzo on serving plates, top with meatballs.

Sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh parsley.

Add lemon wedges for optional extra zest.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Juicy Chicken Meatballs and Perfect Orzo

• Mix ingredients gently and avoid compacting the mixture to keep the chicken meatballs light and tender.
• Sprinkle a pinch of salt on meatballs just before cooking to enhance the golden crust and add extra seasoning.
• Use the same skillet for orzo to capture delicious browned bits from the meatballs, creating deeper taste profiles.
• Add small amounts of broth or water if pasta becomes too dry during cooking to ensure perfect al dente texture.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh parsley over the dish to add color, freshness, and a creamy element that melts slightly from the heat.

Greek Meatballs and Orzo Combo Options

• Vegetarian Greek Meatballs
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute orzo with riced cauliflower, maintaining Greek seasoning profile while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of almond flour, ensuring meatballs remain light and fluffy while accommodating wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Version

Presenting Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo

• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Create a colorful platter with tzatziki, olives, cucumber salad, and warm pita bread to complement the Greek chicken meatballs and orzo.
• Refreshing Side Salad: Toss together a quick Greek salad with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a light oregano vinaigrette to balance the rich meatballs.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the lemony, herbal notes of the dish.
• Creamy Yogurt Drizzle: Prepare a quick sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon to add a cool, tangy element to the meatballs.

Storing Greek Meatballs and Lemon Orzo Leftovers

• Store leftover meatballs and orzo in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Orzo freezes less successfully due to texture changes, so consume fresh.
• Warm meatballs in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth over medium-low heat to prevent drying. For orzo, add a tablespoon of water or broth and gently reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Why use almond flour in the meatballs?

Almond flour helps bind the meatballs and adds a subtle nutty flavor. It also makes the meatballs lighter and prevents them from becoming dense, while providing a gluten-free alternative to traditional breadcrumbs.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly with the same seasoning mix. The cooking method and spices remain exactly the same, ensuring similar flavor and texture.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F at the center. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a meatball to ensure there’s no pink meat and the juices run clear.

Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean comfort blends beautifully in these Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo. Herbed meatballs nestled on creamy orzo promise a delightful journey through Greece’s culinary landscape you will savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Meatballs:

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1 large egg

Cheese and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) feta, crumbled and chopped small
• 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Lemon Orzo:

Grains and Pasta:

• 1 cup (185 grams) dried orzo

Seasonings and Flavors:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dill

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated or shredded parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently blend ground chicken with minced garlic, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, salt, and pepper using fingertips until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Carefully shape the mixture into uniform round meatballs, approximately 15 pieces, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (375°F). Arrange meatballs with ample spacing to prevent overcrowding, allowing each to develop a golden-brown exterior.
4. Rotate meatballs every 2-3 minutes, creating an even caramelized crust on all sides. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes total, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
5. While meatballs are cooking, prepare orzo according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes.
6. Drain orzo and transfer to a mixing bowl. Incorporate fresh lemon zest, squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, grated parmesan, chopped herbs, and seasoning, stirring gently to combine.
7. Plate the aromatic lemon-infused orzo and nestle golden-brown meatballs on top, garnishing with additional herbs or crumbled feta if desired.

Notes

• Gentle Mixing Matters: Overmixing the meatball ingredients can make them dense and tough, so handle the meat mixture with a light touch.
• Temperature Control: Ensure meatballs are evenly browned by maintaining a consistent medium heat and avoiding overcrowding in the pan.
• Lemon Zest Boost: Grate the lemon zest directly over the orzo to capture maximum citrusy essential oils and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for different protein options. Use gluten-free orzo for a celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg