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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Carefully shape the mixture into uniform round meatballs, approximately 15 pieces, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- While meatballs are cooking, prepare orzo according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes.
- 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.
- 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