The Perfect Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Orzo Recipe for Cozy Dinners

These mouthwatering Mediterranean chicken meatballs orzo deliver a burst of vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender, juicy chicken mingles with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a dish that transports you straight to coastal Mediterranean kitchens.

orzo provides the perfect canvas for these succulent meatballs, absorbing every delicious note of seasoning.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds sing.

Fresh ingredients like parsley, garlic, and lemon zest elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

The combination of lean protein and hearty pasta ensures a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

You’ll love how easily these meatballs come together, making weeknight dinner feel like a gourmet experience.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure.

FAQs

• Are these meatballs healthy?

Yes, they’re made with lean ground chicken, packed with protein, and include nutritious ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, making them a nutritious meal option.

• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and form them up to a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

• What if my meatballs are too sticky to form?

Add a bit more breadcrumbs to the mixture. Wet your hands with water or olive oil to help shape them more easily without sticking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs and Orzo: Fresh Batch Perks

• Whip Up a Flavorful Fusion: Mediterranean chicken meatballs blend exciting global tastes with simple ingredients, creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: This one-pan recipe transforms basic ingredients into a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks seeking convenience and taste.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients like using ground turkey instead of chicken or adjusting herbs to match your preference, making this dish incredibly flexible for different dietary needs.
• Nourish with Protein-Packed Goodness: Lean ground chicken combined with nutritious orzo provides a balanced meal that satisfies hunger while delivering Mediterranean-inspired nutrition.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Meatballs & Orzo

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the core of the meatballs with a mild flavor.
• Shallot: Adds a subtle, sweet onion-like flavor to the meatball mixture.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and provides a light texture.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings a concentrated, tangy tomato flavor to the meatballs.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing meatballs and adding rich flavor.
• Orzo: Small pasta that serves as the base for the Mediterranean-style dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the cooking process.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and acidity to balance the dish.
• Tomatoes, Olives: Add Mediterranean flair and additional layers of flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Steps for Cooking Meatballs and Orzo

Step 1: Blend Meatball Ingredients

Toss ground chicken, finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of Mediterranean herbs into a food processor.

Pulse for about 30 seconds until everything combines into a uniform mixture.

The texture should be slightly sticky and well-integrated.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Morsels

Gently roll the mixture into compact balls, aiming for 12-14 evenly sized meatballs.

Use wet hands to prevent sticking and create smooth, round shapes.

Each meatball should be about two tablespoons in size.

Step 3: Sear Golden Exterior

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place meatballs into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Rotate gently to ensure even browning.

Once seared, transfer meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Orzo Base

In the same skillet, pour chicken broth, add minced garlic, and a splash of fresh lemon juice.

Introduce orzo and let it simmer.

Stir occasionally and cook for 3-5 minutes until the pasta becomes tender and absorbs the flavorful liquid.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add diced tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, remaining broth, and return the seared meatballs to the pan.

Simmer until the liquid reduces and meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

The result will be a rich, Mediterranean-inspired one-pan meal bursting with complex flavors.

Tips for Juicy, Tender Meatballs

• Make meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in refrigerator for convenient meal planning.
• Wet hands slightly when forming meatballs to prevent mixture from clinging to fingers and ensure smooth shaping.
• Toast breadcrumbs briefly in pan before mixing to enhance nutty undertones and add extra complexity to meatball texture.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version without compromising meatball structure.
• Use instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken meatballs reach safe 165°F internal temperature, ensuring perfect doneness without overcooking.

Mediterranean Bowl Variations

• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Replace ground chicken with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or Beyond Meat crumbles for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs, and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes, harissa paste, or chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture for an extra spicy version with bold flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute orzo with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carb, keto-friendly alternative that still maintains the dish's Mediterranean essence.

Serving Suggestions for Meatballs & Orzo

• Rustic Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table and serve these Mediterranean chicken meatballs over a bed of creamy orzo, creating a cozy dinner experience that feels like a trip to Greece.
• Colorful Mediterranean Platter: Arrange meatballs and orzo on a large wooden board, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley and basil, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a stunning presentation.
• Mezze-Style Sharing: Break out small plates and serve meatballs as part of a larger spread with hummus, tzatziki, warm pita bread, and a crisp Greek salad, encouraging everyone to sample and share.

Storing Mediterranean Bowls

• Store leftover Mediterranean chicken meatballs and orzo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Drizzle a little extra olive oil or broth over the dish before sealing to keep meatballs and orzo from drying out during storage.
• Refrigerated meatballs and orzo stay delicious for 3-4 days when kept in a sealed container in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled meatballs and orzo to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months for a quick future meal.

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with these delightful chicken meatballs nestled in creamy orzo. Fragrant herbs, zesty lemon, and rich feta create a culinary journey that brings Greek-inspired comfort right to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 1 shallot, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Garlic Orzo:

• 2 1/3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/3 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives

Garnish:

• Fresh dill
• Feta cheese

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Instructions

1. Blend ground chicken with shallot, garlic, breadcrumbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings in a food processor for 30 seconds until ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Using slightly wet hands, form the mixture into 12-14 uniform meatballs, noting the mixture will be sticky and delicate.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and carefully sear meatballs until golden brown on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes total.
4. Transfer meatballs to a clean plate and in the same skillet, pour broth, minced garlic, and lemon juice, then add orzo.
5. Simmer orzo for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta becomes tender and begins to absorb liquid.
6. Incorporate chopped tomatoes and olives into the orzo, then gently return meatballs to the skillet.
7. Continue cooking until liquid is mostly absorbed and meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F, creating a cohesive and flavorful one-pan meal.

Notes

• Ensure meatballs stick together by chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping, which helps prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Use a light touch when mixing and forming meatballs to keep them tender and prevent dense, tough texture.
• Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb version that maintains the same delicious Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Test internal meatball temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfectly cooked chicken without drying out the meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg